TAM – Tower Art Museum is a privately run contemporary art museum at Via Domenico Ridola 13, 75100 Matera, in the historic Sassi-adjacent core of the city. Operated by the social enterprise Torretta Srl, it occupies two connected buildings, with the entrance on Via Ridola and the exhibition route continuing on Via Gradelle Pennino 9. Travelers come for rotating, site-specific exhibitions of contemporary artists placed inside the stone architecture of one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
What to Expect at TAM – Tower Art Museum
TAM does not hold a permanent private collection. Instead, it produces its own exhibition content, so each visit is built around a single major show. The current headline exhibition, Mauro Bubbico. Annodare sorgenti. Supermanifesto, opens on 30 July 2026 and runs into early 2027. Bubbico’s work draws on Lucanian folk imagery, and the exhibition description lists masks, demons, angels, saints, zombies, two-faced Janus figures, praying peasants, beast-men, flying horses, giant kites and dismantled puppets, a bestiary that suits Matera’s rituals and religious festivals.
The route is unusual because it is split across two sites. Visitors enter at Via Ridola 13, and museum staff accompany groups on the transfer to the second building on Via Gradelle Pennino, so the visit includes a short walk through the old town. The museum also publishes its own catalogues and a small program of events and educational activities, which makes it more of a working cultural project than a static gallery.
- Mauro Bubbico exhibition: A large-scale show centered on masks, saints, demons and animal-human hybrids rooted in southern Italian folk tradition.
- Two-site itinerary: The path begins on Via Ridola and continues on Via Gradelle Pennino, with staff escorting visitors between buildings.
- Exhibition catalogues: The museum shop sells the Bubbico catalogue at €40 and the La forma scavata – 108 catalogue at €15.
- Festival-inspired prints: A poster titled “Il bottino sacro – la festa della Bruna 2026”, made with artist Martoz, sells for €20 and nods to Matera’s patron-saint festival.
- Events and education: The museum runs workshops and public programs, with a newsletter for announcements.
TAM – Tower Art Museum at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Via Domenico Ridola 13, 75100 Matera MT, Italy (second site: Via Gradelle Pennino 9) |
| Neighborhood / Area | Historic center, adjacent to the Sassi districts |
| Operating Hours | Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00; last entry 19:00; closed Monday and Tuesday |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid admission; check current ticket prices on the official site |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Central Matera on foot; Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Via Lucana are the usual drop-off points |
| Official Website & Phone | museotam.com, +39 0835 403727 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday only, with the last entry at 19:00. Groups and visitors with special requirements are advised to book in advance by emailing [email protected]; details are on the official visit page. Arriving mid-morning gives you the quietest rooms and leaves time to continue into the Sassi afterwards. Matera’s historic center is largely pedestrian, so the practical approach is to park outside the old town or arrive by taxi, then walk in. Because the route involves moving between two buildings and Matera’s streets are steep and paved in stone, wear comfortable shoes and ask staff about step-free options when you book.
TAM sits within easy walking distance of the major sights. The Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, Matera’s UNESCO-listed cave districts, are about 10 minutes away on foot, as is the Duomo di Matera on its hilltop. The Museo Nazionale Archeologico Domenico Ridola is on the same street and pairs naturally with TAM for a day contrasting ancient finds with contemporary work. Evening aperitivo spots in the Sassi are a short stroll from the exit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit TAM?
TAM is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00, with the last entry at 19:00, and is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Mornings and early weekday afternoons are generally calmer.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for groups and special requirements through [email protected]. Individual ticket prices and online booking details are listed on the museum’s visit page.
How much time should I budget?
Plan 1 to 1.5 hours to cover both buildings, including the escorted transfer between Via Ridola and Via Gradelle Pennino. Add time if you want to browse the shop for catalogues and prints.
Is TAM accessible and suitable for families?
The two-site route and Matera’s uneven stone streets can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers, so contact the museum beforehand to arrange the best route. The folk-art imagery of masks and monsters tends to intrigue older children, and the museum offers educational programs.
When planning your Matera travel guide or browsing verified museums in Matera, pair this stop with standout local spots including Chiesa Rupestre di Madonna delle Tre Porte, Palazzo del Sedile, Casa Noha, and Musei nazionali di Matera – Sede Ridola (nearby).
