Contemporary Art in Siena: Exhibitions and Routes Between History and the Present

Siena is internationally known as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, capable of telling its story through architecture and masterpieces from the 13th and 14th centuries. Yet reducing Siena to its medieval past alone would be limiting. Today, the city is also deeply connected to contemporary artistic language, using art as a means of dialogue between past and present.

Contemporary art in Siena does not exist in contrast with history, but rather grows within it, creating a continuous exchange between different eras. This encounter makes the city’s cultural experience especially engaging: walking among medieval buildings and, just a few steps away, entering spaces dedicated to exhibitions by modern and contemporary artists.

Staying at Hotel Athena, in the heart of Siena’s historic centre, means being perfectly positioned to experience this dialogue. Museums, exhibition spaces and cultural landmarks are all within walking distance, allowing guests to explore a Siena that is dynamic, current and culturally alive. Our staff is always available to provide updated information and suggest personalised itineraries. You can contact us by email at info@hotelathena.com or write to us on WhatsApp at +39 0577 286313.

Palazzo delle Papesse is one of the most important venues for contemporary art in Siena. This Renaissance palace has become a cultural hub capable of hosting major national and international exhibitions.

The exhibition dedicated to Armando Testa, open until 3 May, offers a unique opportunity to discover one of the leading figures of 20th-century visual communication. His work spans advertising, graphic design and art, shaping Italy’s collective imagination.

Visiting this exhibition highlights how contemporary art can speak to a wide audience through immediate yet meaningful visual language. Within Siena’s historic setting, the impact is even stronger: modern imagery interacts with ancient walls, showing how the city welcomes innovation while preserving its identity.

Palazzo delle Papesse is located at Via di Città 126. Until 31 March, it is open during the following hours: Monday from 11 am to 5 pm; Thursday from 11 am to 9.30 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm; Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The ticket price for the exhibition ranges from €16 (full price) to €7 (reduced).

The Magazzini del Sale represent another key reference point for contemporary art in Siena. Located within the historic complex of the Palazzo Pubblico, between Piazza del Campo and Piazza del Mercato, these spaces were once part of the city’s economic life and today host artistic research and experimentation.

The exhibition dedicated to Alberto Sani, open until 26 May, invites visitors to experience sculpture as visual poetry. His works, essential and intense, speak through materials, volumes and silence, encouraging slow and thoughtful observation.

Here again, the dialogue between historic architecture and contemporary expression becomes one of the most fascinating aspects of the visit, creating a refined balance between memory and experimentation. The Magazzini del Sale are open to the public every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The price of the internal ticket is €10.

One of the most interesting aspects of contemporary art in Siena is the possibility of creating a true walking itinerary through the historic centre. Distances are short, and the journey becomes a complete cultural experience, combining exhibitions with the beauty of the city’s urban landscape.

Moving from one venue to another, visitors cross narrow streets, squares and hidden corners that tell centuries of history, while contemporary art offers a fresh perspective on the present and the future. It is an unusual and rewarding way to experience Siena — a city that is not frozen in time, but continues to generate culture, ideas and inspiration.

Starting from Hotel Athena, everything is easily accessible on foot, turning each walk into a journey across different eras, connected by art.

Discovering contemporary art in Siena means engaging with a city that renews itself without denying its past. Palazzo delle Papesse, the Magazzini del Sale, and exhibitions dedicated to artists such as Armando Testa and Alberto Sani reveal a Siena that is vibrant and forward-looking.

Staying at Hotel Athena allows guests to experience all of this from a privileged location in the heart of the historic centre. After a day spent exploring exhibitions and museums, returning to the hotel means enjoying comfort, elegance and a welcoming atmosphere.

Choosing Hotel Athena means selecting a way of discovering Siena that goes beyond appearances — a city that continues to tell its story through art, in all its forms.