A Morning at the MADRE

Everyone knows Italy is renowned for for its art and architecture. Maybe you've walked through the Roman Forum, or perhaps seen da Vinci's 'Last Supper,' or visited the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. They are breathtaking, but what about modern and contemporary art in Italy?!

Welcome to the MADRE, the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina! This is one of those places that you'd probably never notice it if you weren't looking for it. What a mistake! Off a side street near Piazza Cavour, the MADRE is home to 3 floors of modern art by famed international and Italian artists. There's Jeff Koons, Lucio Fontana, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Mario Schifano and just about any other big name you can imagine.

The third floor of the museum is generally used for special exhibits. Right now there is an interesting display of photographs by various artists depicting some of the grittier parts of Naples. The MADRE also has a rooftop terrace, where there's a great view of the city and Mimmo Paladino's "Horse."

While at the MADRE, don't forget to take a look through this door. Part of the complex is the deconsecrated church of Donna Regina Vecchia, from the 14th century. Home to the University of Federico II's school of restoration, it also occasionally serves as an exhibition space for the MADRE. Inside, there are frescos and the intricate marble tomb of Queen Mary of Hungary dating from the early 1300's. Isn't it great how Italians can meld the old and the new together perfectly?!

The MADRE is located on via Settembrini 79, just off of via Duomo. (The closest metro stop is Piazza Cavour.) The museum is open every day from 10 am until 7 pm, except Tuesdays. Tickets cost 7 euro, and chances are you will be one of the few (if not only!) people there.