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In the shade of the porticoes - 12th section: MAMbo

Updated on 16 January 2025 From Bologna Welcome

The Portico of MAMbo represents a perfect encounter between Bologna's historical heritage and its contemporary soul, enhancing an area that today is a tangible creative crossroads where past, present and future come together at every corner.

The journey through the porticoes of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues with a section that combines the past and present: the portico of MAMbo – the heart of the city's modern artistic framework

An example of urban redevelopment dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century, the Portico of MAMbo stands in an area once occupied by the former public bakery of Bologna, built in 1915 to meet demands during the First World War. It later became the heart of the Factory of the Arts (Factory of the Arts) and now houses the Museum of Modern Art of Bologna (MAMbo), a symbol of the synthesis of its industrial past and the vibrant contemporary cultural and artistic aspects. This is the meeting point of the past and present which a unique combination of tradition and innovation. From an architectural point of view, this portico stands apart for its modern and minimalist style, in stark contrast with the medieval porticoes of the old city centre. Made of concrete and characterised by a sleek design, its sober and welcoming appearance invites passers-by to explore the modern art of the museum. This space is a perfect example of urban reuse that integrates Bologna's industrial past with its cultural present, offering a place where history and innovation meet in perfect harmony.

The Portico of MAMbo hosts not only contemporary art exhibitions (read the dedicated article), at the Morandi Museum and the Bologna Film Archive, but also a series of events and festivals that animate the area all year round. Its proximity to Cavaticcio Park, home to outdoor concerts and screenings, makes this portico the ideal point of convergence between the museum's works and the lively outdoor cultural scene. Events such as the Bologna Portici Festival transform this area into an intersection between history and new artistic expressions, offering an engaging experience to visitors.

A fascinating aspect that further integrates the Portico of MAMbo with its history concerns the area in front of the museum, close to the Cavaticcio Park and the old Navile Port, flanked by the cycle path of thesame name. This port was part of a canal that, over the centuries, served as a commercial access point for Bologna, connecting the city to the Reno River and external trade (see more Bologna water tours). Today, this area has been fully redeveloped into a lively cultural hub that animates the area. The MAMbo facility, with its wide open spaces and its portico, fits perfectly within this narrative of transformation, whereby an industrial area becomes a centre of cultural gathering.

"In the shade of the porticoes" is the column that explores the twelve Porticoes of Bologna, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. In addition to offering insights into their history and architecture, the column also tells of the daily life of those who work, travel and live under those porticoes every day.

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