Matera: TAM Museum Ticket + tour with one of the founders

Travelers with an interest in contemporary art and authentic local stories will find this tour a compelling way to experience Matera’s vibrant cultural scene. For just $9 per person, you get an entry ticket to the newly opened TAM Tower Art Museum plus a one-hour guided tour led by one of the museum’s founders. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the museum’s unique story, view works by both national and international artists, and walk through a space that creatively blends the old with the new.

What we particularly like about this experience is the chance to hear firsthand how this museum was built from scratch by passionate young people from Matera—a story that’s as inspiring as the art itself. The tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s vision, the current exhibitions, and the ongoing plans to expand and enhance visitor experiences. However, a notable consideration is the museum’s location in the Sassi, which can pose accessibility challenges for those with reduced mobility. Still, if you’re eager to explore a contemporary cultural hub in one of Italy’s most historic settings, this tour is well worth your time. It’s especially suited for art lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting to connect more deeply with Matera’s modern artistic pulse.

Key Points

• Unique setting: Located in a medieval tower within the UNESCO-listed Sassi of Matera, blending history and contemporary art.
• Exclusive insight: Guided tour with a museum founder offers authentic stories behind the museum’s creation.
• Current exhibitions: View works by notable national artists and international collaborators.
• Development plans: The museum is expanding with new facilities, promising an even richer experience in the future.
• Accessible details: The museum’s morphology limits access for those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.
• Affordability: At $9, the ticket offers excellent value, especially considering the guided experience and exclusive insights.

Visiting the TAM Tower Art Museum in Matera: What to Expect

This tour is a rare chance to step into a contemporary art space that’s very much in the making. Opened on December 1, 2022, the TAM Tower Art Museum isn’t a traditional museum with a permanent collection. Instead, it is a dynamic space created by young Matera residents with a passion for art and community. This effort has resulted in a vibrant environment where exhibitions are produced and hosted regularly, often featuring works by both Italian and international artists.

The Museum’s Unique Location and Architecture

The museum’s home is a medieval tower—Torre del Capone—which adds a palpable historical atmosphere to the contemporary displays. You’ll find the entrance from Via Ridola 13, leading you to a charming garden and the tower itself. The architecture preserves its medieval charm, with stone walls and narrow corridors that contrast sharply with the modern artworks inside.

The museum is housed across two main locations close to each other, with the entrance from Via Ridola and the main exhibition space in Via Gradelle Pennino. During the guided tour, you’ll walk between both sites, which are about 300 meters apart—an easy stroll through the Sassi’s labyrinth of winding streets.

The Guided Tour Experience

Your tour will be led by one of the museum’s founders, offering an authentic narrative about the museum’s inception, evolution, and future plans. The founder shares insights into the building’s history, how the idea of a contemporary art space in Matera was born, and the ongoing collaborations with artists. This personal touch makes the experience more meaningful than a typical museum visit.

The tour lasts about one hour, during which you’ll explore the exhibition spaces and learn about the featured works. One reviewer appreciated the way the founder explained the significance of each piece, emphasizing how the exhibits aim to represent a “new and contemporary Matera.” The current exhibitions aren’t static; they are continually evolving, meaning repeat visits could reveal different works and themes over time.

The Exhibitions and Artworks

You can expect to see works by national artists and collaborations from international talents. The museum isn’t just about displaying art; it’s about fostering dialogue and innovation. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated to highlight contemporary themes, which often feel surprisingly fresh against the backdrop of Matera’s ancient stone walls.

Several reviews mention that the art is displayed in a way that encourages reflection and conversation, with some pieces provoking questions about tradition versus modernity. The setting in a medieval tower adds layers of meaning, making each artwork feel like a dialogue between past and present.

The Museum’s Garden and Surroundings

Beyond the exhibitions, visitors often enjoy the museum’s garden, which offers peaceful views of the surrounding Sassi. The garden provides a moment to pause and appreciate the landscape—a stark contrast to the contemporary art inside. It’s also a great spot for photos, with views of the tower and the narrow streets of Matera.

Future Expansion and Visitor Experience

The museum is actively expanding its facilities, with plans for a new reception area and additional services. This indicates the museum’s commitment to improving visitor comfort and engagement. While the current space may have some limitations—particularly regarding accessibility—these enhancements will likely make future visits more comfortable for all.

Practical Details and Tips

• Location: Entrance from Via Ridola 13, main exhibition space in Via Gradelle Pennino
• Duration: 1 hour guided tour
• Price: $9 per person, offering great value for the exclusive insights and art viewing
• Languages: Tours available in Italian and English
• Accessibility: The museum’s morphology makes it challenging for those with mobility issues; be prepared for uneven or steep paths
• Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with last entry one hour before closing
• Booking: It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak times, as the tour starts at a designated meeting point in the entrance area
• Cancellation: Full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance

What to Bring

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven surfaces. Since the tour involves walking between locations in the Sassi, a light backpack with water and a camera will enhance your experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for art enthusiasts, culturally curious travelers, and those interested in contemporary creative expressions set against a historic backdrop. However, if you have mobility impairments, you might want to consider other options, as access is limited due to the terrain.

Bonus: How This Tour Compares to Other Matera Experiences

Unlike traditional walking tours that focus solely on history and ancient sites, this option emphasizes modern artistic expression and the story of a community-driven museum. It complements other tours like the Sassi walks or cultural excursions, offering a unique perspective on Matera’s evolution.

Other experiences, such as the guided walks or the eco-bus tours, tend to focus on broader sightseeing. This tour provides a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Matera’s contemporary art scene—ideal if you’re keen to see a different side of the city.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the TAM Tower Art Museum with a guided tour from one of its founders offers a fascinating blend of history, contemporary art, and community storytelling. For just $9, you gain access to a space that’s redefining Matera’s cultural landscape, with insights that only a creator of the museum can provide.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy art, local stories, and a bit of walking through the Sassi’s narrow streets. While accessibility might be a concern, the chance to learn about the museum’s pioneering journey makes it a worthwhile stop for most visitors.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, authentic glimpse into Matera’s modern creative scene—beyond the typical tourist spots—this tour offers both inspiration and a deeper understanding of how a community can build something truly unique from the ground up.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for older children and teenagers, especially those interested in art. Keep in mind the walking involved and the uneven terrain of the Sassi.

How long is the entire visit?
The guided tour lasts about one hour, but you should allocate some additional time for exploring the surroundings and the museum’s garden.

Can I visit the museum alone after the tour?
Yes, once the guided tour concludes, you are free to spend more time exploring the exhibits at your own pace, though entry to restricted areas isn’t included.

Are there any discounts available?
The ticket price is set at $9 per person. Group discounts or special offers aren’t mentioned, but it’s worth checking when booking.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the uneven terrain.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guided tours are offered in Italian and English, catering to most visitors.

Is the museum accessible for people with mobility issues?
Due to the building’s morphology and the Sassi’s terrain, access is limited for those with mobility impairments.

Should I book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred time slot and ensure a smooth experience.

This guided tour of the TAM Tower Art Museum in Matera offers a rare glimpse into a new chapter of the city’s cultural life—merging history, modern art, and community passion in one small, unforgettable package.