Following a meticulous selection process that evaluated 44 applications, Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, Cultural Councillor Massimiliano Smeriglio, and Marco Delogu, President of the Special Agency Palaexpo, announced today the appointment of Cristiana Perrella as the new director of MACRO – Rome’s Museum of Contemporary Art. An internationally renowned curator and critic, Perrella will lead the museum with the aim of transforming it into a dynamic and inclusive hub, fostering dialogue between the city and the global art scene. The decision was made by a technical commission composed of high-profile experts: Federica Pirani (Director of Artistic Heritage at the Capitoline Superintendency), Laura Iamurri and Carla Subrizi (university professors of Art History), Daniela Lancioni (senior curator at Palaexpo), and Fabio Merosi (General Director of Palaexpo). Among the finalists were Johanne Affricot, Lucrezia Cippitelli, Cecilia Canziani, and Florence Derieux, but Perrella’s curriculum—marked by national and international experience—proved most aligned with the city’s strategic vision.
Mayor Gualtieri emphasized the significance of the appointment: “Cristiana Perrella embodies a professional profile of exceptional depth, ideal for unlocking MACRO’s potential. We envision a museum that serves as a beacon for contemporary art, offering innovative exhibitions, accessibility, and a strong bond with Rome.” He also acknowledged her predecessor, Luca Lo Pinto, thanking him for his “invaluable work” over recent years. Cultural Councillor Smeriglio highlighted the efficiency and rigor of the selection process: “In less than a month, we analyzed projects and resumes, ultimately choosing a high-caliber female candidate. Perrella’s vision aligns with our goal to strengthen Rome’s cultural ecosystem, synergizing with institutions like Palazzo Esposizioni, Mattatoio, and Museo delle Periferie.”
Marco Delogu, President of Palaexpo, reiterated the commitment to transparency and expressed enthusiasm for MACRO’s revival, citing the upcoming Festival delle Accademie (May 27), curated by Saverio Verini, as the first step in a new chapter. Born in Rome, Perrella shared her enthusiasm for returning to lead a cultural institution: “MACRO can be a critical space, one that interrogates our times through art. I aim to build on Lo Pinto’s legacy, creating a museum that is both inclusive and experimental, engaging audiences and artists alike.” Born in 1967, Cristiana Perrella boasts a diverse career spanning cultural leadership and international curation. From 2018 to 2021, she directed the Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art in Prato, having previously founded and coordinated the Contemporary Arts Programme at the British School at Rome (1998–2008). Her collaborations include institutions such as MAXXI (Rome), Fondazione Prada (Milan), and the Bienal de Valencia. Alongside her curatorial work, she teaches Cultural Institution Management at Milan’s San Raffaele University. Since 2022, she has served as artistic director of the Milano Design Film Festival, and in 2025, she will curate Conciliazione 5, an exhibition space at the Vatican dedicated to bridging art and spirituality ahead of the Jubilee. Perrella’s challenge will be to balance artistic radicality with public accessibility, positioning MACRO as a cultural nexus. Priorities include integrating with Rome’s other cultural institutions, building international networks, and addressing the needs of peripheral communities and younger generations. With her appointment, Rome reaffirms its commitment to contemporary art as a catalyst for urban and social renewal.
