Maxxi: Museo Nazionale
Via Guido Reni, 4, Flaminio
Another unexpectedly contemporary structure for such an ancient city, Rome’s ambitious 21st-century art museum was designed by Zaha Hadid (she’s the woman behind the Guangzhou Opera House in China among many other impressive projects), with the curvy, hyper-modern space taking an entire decade to construct. The permanent collection galleries house works by Kara Walker, Ed Ruscha, Anish Kapoor, and so many more; meanwhile, the exhibit calendar is just as impressive. Plan your visit in conjunction with the Auditorium Parco Della Musica—they’re both located in the Flamino area and make for a nice change of pace from ancient architecture.