Mo.C.A. — Montecatini Contemporary Art
Viale Giuseppe Verdi 46, 51016 Montecatini Terme (PT), Italy
Contemporary art in an unexpected setting
Mo.C.A. is Montecatini Terme’s civic gallery for twentieth-century and contemporary art. It occupies rooms inside the Town Hall on Viale Giuseppe Verdi, placing modern works at the centre of the spa town’s historic architectural promenade. The gallery opened in 2012 after the restoration of spaces formerly used by the Royal Post Office.
What makes the collection distinctive
The best-known work is Joan Miró’s monumental 1980 canvas Dona envoltada d’un vol d’ocells en la nit—usually translated as Woman Encircled by a Flight of Birds in the Night. The collection also ranges across modern, contemporary and street art, with works connected to artists including Carrà, Moore, Oldenburg, Rotella, Banksy, JR and Shepard Fairey. Displays can change, so individual works may not always be on view.
Look beyond the exhibition walls
The building is part of the experience. The former postal rooms preserve a cycle of stained-glass windows by Galileo Chini based on the theme of communication, while the Town Hall itself contributes to Montecatini’s rich early-twentieth-century architectural landscape. Allow time to notice these decorative details rather than treating the gallery as a quick stop.
Planning your visit
The Municipality currently lists free admission. Published hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:00, and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10:30 to 12:30 and 16:00 to 19:00; the gallery is closed on Mondays. Exhibitions, holidays and installations can affect access, so confirm the current programme and timetable on the official website before travelling.
Combine it with Viale Verdi
Mo.C.A. fits naturally into a walk through Montecatini’s UNESCO-listed spa landscape. From the Town Hall, continue along Viale Verdi towards the thermal park, the Tamerici Salt Pavilion and the Tettuccio complex. The gallery provides a valuable contemporary counterpoint to the town’s Liberty architecture and historic culture of wellness.
