Claudio Nardi and his museum. Anniversary lecture

Claudio Nardi and his museum

Anniversary lecture

Moderated by Adam Budak

20.5.2026, 7 pm

Lecture and discussion in English

Tickets available online>>>

The 15th anniversary of the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków will be marked by a lecture from Claudio Nardi, the renowned Italian architect who won an international competition to convert the former Schindler factory’s production halls into a state-of-the-art museum. The creation of MOCAK was a hotly debated topic in the 2010s when the idea of establishing a museum of contemporary art entered the implementation phase. The search for a suitable location, extensive consultations with professionals and the process of building the collection were widely covered topics for many years. The museum finally found its home in the revitalised Zabłocie district, becoming one of several museums and cultural institutions established on the right bank of the Vistula to counterbalance the cultural offerings in the city centre. This evening, we will consider the question: has the architect’s vision stood the test of time?

In his anniversary lecture, Claudio Nardi will discuss his architectural vision, his approach, and developing trends, illustrated with images of projects from around the world. Against this backdrop, he will present his thoughts on the construction of MOCAK, referring to the reasons, limitations and context in which the project was conceived, and will then describe the building as it was presented in 2011 at its inauguration. However, as visions, perspectives, needs and technologies change, he will also discuss the reasons and ideas behind a feasible and desirable restoration and maintenance project, as well as a prospect for a subtle yet substantial redesign that could make the museum fully accessible, welcoming, efficient and flexible, and suitable for a new open and dynamic approach to exhibiting and contemplating contemporary art.

 

After attending the Porta Romana Art School, Claudio Nardi graduated in architecture from the University of Florence. During his time at university, he worked with Carlo Scarpa, assisting him on a project in Florence — the city in which he would later establish his own practice. He then worked as a university lecturer for five years, teaching exhibition design, interior design and planning at the Faculty of Architecture in Florence. Since 2019, he has been a full member of the ancient and prestigious Florentine institution Accademia delle Arti e del Disegno. He regularly teaches on master’s courses at the Department of Industrial Design. He also frequently gives lectures in Italy and abroad. He has received numerous accolades and awards, and has participated in national and international competitions.