Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, La Spezia

Arts Venue, Attraction and Museum in La Spezia

Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
Public Domain / Icarus83

Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (often referred to locally as CAMeC) is La Spezia's go-to stop for modern and contemporary art, set just a short stroll from the city's central streets and waterfront. It's an easy cultural add-on if you're using La Spezia as a base for Cinque Terre, or if you want a break from beaches and viewpoints with something creative and indoor.

Because it sits in a very walkable part of town, CAMeC fits neatly into a self-guided walking tour: pair it with a wander through the historic center, a coffee on a nearby piazza, and a sunset walk toward the harbor. If you're choosing just a few “best places to see” in La Spezia beyond transport logistics, this is one of the most rewarding for a focused, art-forward hour or two.

History and Significance of the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

CAMeC plays an important role in giving La Spezia a cultural identity beyond its port and its gateway status to Cinque Terre. The museum's mission is to present modern and contemporary art in a way that feels approachable for casual visitors while still offering enough depth for travelers who like to linger with a work and read the context.

In practical terms, its significance is that it anchors a “city day” in La Spezia: a place where you can slow down, reset from hiking or train-hopping, and engage with Italian and international artistic currents. If you're traveling through Liguria and want a broader picture than postcard scenery, CAMeC helps round out the story.

The museum also functions as a platform for temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection, which means repeat visits can feel different from season to season. That rotating program is one of the best reasons to check what’s on before you go, especially if you’re planning your day around a specific show.

Things to See and Do in the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

Start with the permanent collection to get your bearings: it’s the quickest way to understand the museum’s tone and the kinds of artists and movements it highlights. Even if you’re not an art specialist, you can treat it like a visual “walkthrough” of ideas, materials, and styles that shaped the 20th century and beyond.

If a temporary exhibition is running, plan your visit so you can see it without rushing. Temporary shows are often the most talked-about part of CAMeC, and they can shift the experience from “nice local museum” to “this was the highlight of my La Spezia day.”

To make the visit feel more like an experience than a checklist, pick a few works that genuinely catch your eye and spend time with them: read the wall text, look for recurring themes, and notice how the galleries use light and space. It’s a great rainy-day plan, and it also works well in the hottest part of a summer afternoon.

How to Get to the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

The nearest major airports are Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport; Florence Airport can also work depending on your itinerary. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to La Spezia on Booking.com.

La Spezia is well-connected by rail, and arriving by train is often the simplest option if you're coming from Pisa, Genoa, Florence, or the Cinque Terre villages. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you’re driving, aim for a central parking option and then continue on foot, since the museum is easiest to reach by walking once you’re in the city center. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

  • Official website: https://camec.sp.it/
  • Entrance fee: Permanent collection: Adults €10; Reduced €5 (under 26, over 65); Free for residents of the Province of La Spezia. Permanent collection + temporary exhibition: Adults €15; Reduced €8 (under 26, over 65); €5 for residents of the Province of La Spezia; Under 18: free. First Sunday of the month: €2.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–19:00. Monday: Closed. (First Friday of the month) Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–22:00. Closed on December 25.
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for a quieter gallery feel, or time your visit for late afternoon if you want to pair it with an evening stroll and aperitivo afterward.
  • How long to spend: Plan 60–90 minutes for a relaxed visit; add extra time if you want to fully explore a temporary exhibition.
  • Accessibility: Expect an indoor museum environment with staff on site; if you have specific mobility needs, it’s worth confirming current access details before you go.
  • Facilities: You’ll typically find museum basics like restrooms and a reception area; consider bringing a light layer since galleries can feel cool compared with outdoor temperatures.

Where to Stay Close to the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

Base yourself in central La Spezia near the historic center and the main train station area for the easiest mix of museums, dining, and day trips.

For a comfortable, well-located stay with a classic city-hotel feel, consider CDH Hotel La Spezia which is a strong pick for walkability to central sights and an easy routine for train day trips.

If you want something polished and boutique-leaning with a convenient location for both the center and the station, The Poet Hotel is a smart choice for travelers who like stylish rooms and a streamlined base.

For a modern, design-forward option that feels a bit more upscale, NH La Spezia works well, especially if you want a reliable international-standard hotel close to the waterfront side of town.

If you’re prioritizing station convenience for early trains and late returns from Cinque Terre, Hotel Firenze e Continentale is a practical favorite that reduces transit friction.

For a quieter, slightly more residential feel while still staying central, Hotel Corallo is worth considering for travelers who like a calmer end to the day.

Is the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want La Spezia to feel like a destination rather than just a launchpad to Cinque Terre. It's a satisfying, weather-proof stop that adds cultural texture to your itinerary, and it's easy to fit into a walking day without complicated logistics.

Honest Pivot: if you're on a very tight schedule and your priority is maximizing time in the Cinque Terre villages or on the trails, you may prefer to skip CAMeC and save your indoor time for a longer museum day in a larger city. It's most rewarding for travelers who enjoy art, exhibitions, or simply want a slower-paced afternoon in La Spezia.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (270)

Reviewers often praise the gallery's contemporary art collection and rotating exhibitions, with some calling it a favorite spot in La Spezia. However, multiple visitors report unwelcoming or rude staff and an uncomfortable feeling of being watched, particularly affecting families with children. Practical drawbacks mentioned include no on-site café, occasional payment/technical issues, and accessibility problems such as a non-working elevator. A few found certain exhibitions (especially on the ground floor) loud or difficult to interpret, while upper floors were viewed more positively.

Kate M
6 months ago
"It's a lovely gallery with an interesting mixture of pieces, but definitely not welcoming towards families sadly. We visited with our baby and 3 yearold and were followed around the rooms by staff, and generally made to feel like criminals for bringing children to a gallery. We were even followed when we went to go sit on the roof terrace. Also worth being aware that there isn't any sort of on-site cafe, but it is very centrally located so lots of other options nearby. We've visited lots of galleries in different European cities and sadly it's the only one I would definitely encourage other parents to avoid. But probably a very enjoyable place to visit as an individual or a couple...."
Lorenzo Nespoli
7 months ago
"Nice collections, second time visiting, now having a Fontana and Morandi exposition on display. I can say that's one of my favorite places in LaSpezia..."
a a maria Monteverdi
3 years ago
"Beautiful museum with a fantastic collection of contemporary art. Until January 2022 there is the work of Giacomo Verde, pioneer of videoart. Heresome photos by Valentino Albini for the exhibition...."

For Different Travelers

CAMeC can be tailored to different travel styles: it can be a quick, focused visit between trains, or a longer, reflective stop that anchors a full city day. The key is deciding whether you want it as a “highlight reel” or as a deeper museum experience.

Families with Kids

For families, the museum works best as a shorter visit with a simple goal: pick a few rooms, look for bold colors and shapes, and let kids choose their favorite piece. Keeping the pace light helps everyone enjoy it without museum fatigue.

Pairing CAMeC with a snack break and a short walk afterward makes the day smoother. If your kids are used to outdoor-heavy travel, this can be a good indoor reset before returning to the waterfront.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, CAMeC is a calm, conversation-friendly stop that feels different from the typical Ligurian itinerary. It’s especially nice if you want a shared experience that’s not just another viewpoint photo.

Make it part of a date-style afternoon: museum first, then a slow walk through central La Spezia and an aperitivo. The contrast between gallery quiet and lively streets afterward is part of the charm.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can treat CAMeC as a high-value cultural activity, especially if you're choosing just one paid attraction in La Spezia. It's also a good alternative to pricier day tours when you want something structured but self-paced.

To keep costs down, plan your day so you can walk everywhere in the center and avoid taxis. If you’re museum-hopping, consider whether a combined pass makes sense for your schedule.

History Buffs

History buffs may enjoy CAMeC most when they approach it as a lens on recent history: how 20th-century ideas, materials, and social shifts show up in art. Even without deep prior knowledge, you can connect works to broader Italian and European cultural changes.

If you like context, take your time with the interpretive texts and look for curatorial themes in the exhibition layout. It’s a different kind of history than churches and castles, but it can be just as revealing.

FAQs for Visiting Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

Getting There

Yes, it’s in a walkable part of the city and works well as a stop on a self-guided walking loop. If you’re staying centrally, you can usually reach it without needing transport.
Yes, if you plan a tight 45–60 minute visit focused on highlights. Leave a buffer for getting back to the station, especially in peak travel months.
Yes, it’s one of the most reliable indoor options when weather disrupts hiking or boat plans. It also works well during the hottest midday hours in summer.

Tickets & Entry

Not always, but booking ahead can be helpful during popular temporary exhibitions or busy weekends. If you’re on a tight schedule, pre-booking reduces uncertainty.
Yes, there are typically reduced tickets for younger visitors and older adults, and some categories may be free. Check the official ticket rules to confirm what applies to you.
Sometimes there are multi-museum passes designed for short stays. If you plan to visit more than one museum, it’s worth comparing the pass price to single entries.

Visiting Experience

Yes, you can enjoy it visually and intuitively without deep background knowledge. A simple approach is to pick a few works you like and read the short context panels.
Crowds vary with exhibitions and season, but it often feels calmer than the Cinque Terre hotspots. Visiting earlier in the day usually improves the experience.
Yes, it pairs well with a stroll through the center and a waterfront walk. It’s a good “anchor” activity that still leaves time for food and exploring.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

No, a self-guided visit works well for most travelers. A guided tour can be worthwhile if you want deeper context for a specific exhibition.
Do the museum first, then explore central La Spezia on foot and finish with a harbor-side walk. This keeps the day compact and avoids backtracking.
Yes, it’s ideal for an arrival day, departure day, or a rest day between hikes. It helps you enjoy La Spezia itself rather than only passing through.

Photography

Rules can vary by exhibition and artwork, so check signage and staff guidance on arrival. Temporary exhibitions may have stricter restrictions.
Typically flash and tripods are restricted in museums to protect artworks and visitor flow. If you need special permission, ask staff before shooting.
Yes, the surrounding streets and piazzas are great for city atmosphere shots. The waterfront area is also a strong option for late-day light.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s an indoor venue and generally easier than outdoor hillside sights, but details can vary by current setup. Confirm access features in advance if you have specific needs.
Yes, you can typically expect visitor restrooms in a museum setting. It’s still smart to plan a café stop nearby if you want a longer break.
Many museums have rules about large bags and may offer a cloakroom or require smaller bags. Check on arrival so you can visit comfortably.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, central La Spezia has plenty of cafés and casual restaurants within an easy walk. Plan a coffee before or an aperitivo after to round out the visit.
Most museums restrict food and open drinks in galleries. Eat beforehand or plan a break immediately after your visit.
Yes, the central area has plenty of grab-and-go options. This is helpful if you’re timing your visit around a train.

Safety & Timing

Central La Spezia is generally straightforward for visitors, especially during daytime. As in any city, keep an eye on belongings in busy areas.
Late morning and mid-afternoon tend to feel unhurried, especially outside peak weekend times. If you want a quieter gallery, earlier is usually better.
Overnight stays make it easier to enjoy CAMeC without rushing between trains. If you’re day-tripping, keep the museum visit focused and plan your return time.

Nearby Attractions to the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

The Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Spezia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-19:00.

Monday: Closed.

(First Friday of the month) Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-22:00.

Closed on December 25.

Price:

Permanent collection: Adults €10; Reduced €5 (under 26, over 65); Free for residents of the Province of La Spezia. Permanent collection + temporary exhibition: Adults €15; Reduced €8 (under 26, over 65); €5 for residents of the Province of La Spezia; Under 18: free. First Sunday of the month: €2.

Address: Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Piazza Cesare Battisti, La Spezia, SP, Italy
La Spezia: 0 km
Official Website

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