Centro Pecci in Prato: Contemporary Art in Tuscany

Centro Pecci in Prato – If you are passionate about contemporary art and find yourself in Italy, a visit to the Centro per l’arte contemporanea Luigi Pecci in Prato is almost mandatory. Located in the vibrant region of Tuscany, this center is an international reference point for artistic innovation. Since its inauguration in 1988, it has been a gathering place for culture lovers, hosting exhibitions, performances, cinema, music, and design.

Centro Pecci in Prato, a Space Dedicated to Contemporary Art

More than a traditional museum, Centro Pecci is a true creative hub.

The complex features 3,000 square meters of exhibition halls, a library (CID) with over 60,000 volumes, an auditorium-cinema, a restaurant, and even an open-air theater.

With over 250 exhibitions held over the years, the venue has become a key destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in contemporary artistic expressions and understand the trends shaping today’s society.

Designed by architect Italo Gamberini, the original building features asymmetrical shapes and modern volumes, creating a fluid and dynamic space.

In 2016, the center underwent a major expansion with the project Sensing the Waves, designed by Dutch architect Maurice Nio.

This renovation not only doubled the exhibition space but also made visitor circulation more intuitive and enhanced the overall experience.

Stay updated on upcoming events at Centro Pecci here.

The Permanent Exhibition: “Eccentrica”

Since May 2023, Centro Pecci has housed the permanent exhibition Eccentrica. Le collezioni del Centro Pecci, an immersive experience showcasing the museum’s collection of over 1,200 works acquired over the years. Artists featured in the collection include Andy Warhol, Lucio Fontana, Gerhard Richter, and Jannis Kounellis.

The exhibition is divided into four sections:

• The Center in One Room: A space showcasing the museum’s most important acquisitions over the years.
• The Cut as a Time Machine: A look at art as a reflection of social transformations.
• Italy in the 1990s: An exploration of the cultural and artistic changes of the decade.
• Radical Future: An examination of radical architecture and its connections to the digital era.

The exhibition design was developed by the renowned Formafantasma studio, focusing on sustainability and accessibility, making art even more approachable to the public.

Pecci Tickets: Admission to Pecci generally costs €10, with no long lines, and tickets can be purchased directly on-site.

Other Contemporary Art Exhibitions at Pecci

The exhibition schedule changes frequently, so it’s best to check the official website:

• Current exhibitions
• Upcoming exhibitions

Cinema at Pecci

Centro Pecci’s cinema is a space dedicated to film as an innovative and authentic art form. Featuring screenings in their original versions, the program explores new aesthetic and narrative languages, with a special focus on emerging directors and independent productions.

In addition to offering a fresh perspective on contemporary cinema, the venue maintains a constant dialogue with classic cinematography, documentaries, and art films. The cinema’s curatorial choices are often aligned with Pecci’s exhibitions, creating a rich and interconnected cultural experience.

Check the current schedule here.

Pecci’s Library

The CID/Arti Visive Library at Centro Pecci is an important archive dedicated to contemporary art, housing over 60,000 publications, including monographs, catalogs, and audiovisual materials. The collection documents 20th- and 21st-century artistic movements, highlighting both national and international exhibitions.

Since 1989, the archive has grown through donations from critics, artists, and scholars, with a notable addition in 2021: the Lara-Vinca Masini library-archive.

Consultation and Access:

• Visits are by appointment only, limited to three people at a time.
• Reservations via phone (+39 0574 531842) or email (cid@centropecci.it).

Opening Hours:

• Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Thursday & Friday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Currently, consultation is limited to the Lara-Vinca Masini Archive, with evaluations underway for access to other materials. It’s an essential space for researchers and art lovers.

How to Get to Centro Pecci in Prato

Address: Viale della Repubblica, 277, Prato

For those coming from nearby cities, taking a train to Prato Centrale railway station is a convenient and cost-effective option. Regional trains are usually available, and schedules and tickets can be checked on the Trenitalia website.

Estimated train travel times:

• Florence to Prato: ~20 minutes
• Pistoia to Prato: ~15 minutes
• Montecatini Terme to Prato: ~30 minutes
• Lucca to Prato: ~1 hour

In front of Prato Centrale railway station, there is a bus stop serving various parts of the city, including Centro Pecci.

After arriving at Prato Centrale, take Bus Line 1+ to the Museo Pecci stop. The frequency is every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on Sundays and holidays. Check the Autolinee Toscane website for the latest schedule details.

For those traveling by car, free parking spaces are available nearby. Prato is strategically located along Tuscany’s major highways. It’s best to use a navigation app like Waze or Google Maps to find the best route (preferably avoiding traffic).

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