EXMA - Centro Comunale d'Arte e Cultura

EXMA (Exhibiting and Moving Arts) is a dynamic hub of art and culture located in the very center of Cagliari. This space is a shining example of how historic architecture can find new life: a former municipal slaughterhouse from the mid-19th century has been transformed into a trendy venue for exhibitions, festivals, and creative experiments.

Today, EXMA is a magnet for lovers of contemporary art, photography, and music. The complex has preserved its historic appearance with distinctive gates adorned with marble bull heads, but inside, it is filled with modern energy. It regularly hosts multimedia installations, literary gatherings, and educational programs for children and adults.

A visit to this center allows tourists traveling in Italy to see not only ancient ruins but also the pulsating contemporary cultural life of Sardinia. The spacious inner courtyard is often used for open-air concerts and film screenings, creating a unique, welcoming atmosphere of creativity.

To help you plan your visit, we have gathered the current contact details for the EXMA center. Here you will find the address, phone number, and a link to the official website.

At the EXMA center, visitors can look forward to a rich cultural program. The main activity here is visiting the temporary exhibitions. The displays change constantly, covering photography, contemporary painting, sculpture, and graphic design. This is a great opportunity to discover works by both local Sardinian artists and international masters.

Particular attention should be paid to outdoor events. The complex's spacious courtyard is the perfect spot for summer evenings. It regularly hosts jazz concerts, theatrical performances, and movie screenings under the stars. The atmosphere of the ancient walls combined with live music leaves an unforgettable impression.

For families with children, creative workshops and educational labs are often organized, where young visitors can try their hand at art. And if you just want to take a break, there is a cafe on the premises where it is pleasant to have a cup of coffee or an aperitif while watching the leisurely life of this creative cluster.

EXMA is located in the very heart of the city, in the historic Villanova district, so getting here is quite easy. If you are already walking around the center, you can reach the complex on foot from the main shopping streets or from the Bastion of Saint Remy — the walk will take just a few minutes and allow you to enjoy the city's architecture.

For those who prefer public transport, routes of the CTM city buses (for example, lines M, 1, 30, or 31) pass nearby, stopping on Via Sonnino, which is in the immediate vicinity of the center's entrance. You can also always use a local taxi service by asking the driver to take you to Via San Lucifero.

The history of this place is remarkable for its transformation. The name EXMA is an abbreviation of Ex Mattatoio, which translates as "Former Slaughterhouse". The complex was built in the mid-19th century, between 1845 and 1850, according to the design of architect Domenico Barabino. At that time, the city needed a modern sanitary facility located outside the densely populated neighborhoods.

The building's architecture is quite notable: massive light stone walls and huge entrance gates are decorated with marble bull heads, which directly indicated the structure's original purpose. These decorative elements have survived to this day and now serve as a unique reminder of the building's past, creating an interesting contrast with the contemporary art inside.

The slaughterhouse operated here until the second half of the 20th century. In the 1990s, after extensive restoration, the space found new life, becoming one of the first and most successful examples of industrial architecture revitalization in Sardinia. Today, it is a place where creativity and inspiration reign instead of hard labor.

The time required to visit EXMA depends largely on the current schedule of events. If your goal is simply to view the architecture of the historic complex and check out one of the temporary exhibitions, one hour will be quite enough. The compact territory allows you to quickly explore the exposition without rushing.

However, if you happen to catch a festival, a concert, or participate in a creative workshop, your visit might stretch to 2-3 hours or even the whole evening. In the warmer months, the inner courtyard invites you to stay longer, enjoying the atmosphere and drinks at the local cafe.

When planning your visit, pay attention to the center's specific operating schedule, which includes a midday break (siesta). EXMA is closed to visitors on Mondays.

On other days (Tuesday through Sunday), the complex operates according to the following schedule: in the morning from 9:00 to 13:00, and then it opens in the evening from 16:00 to 20:00. Such a schedule allows you to combine a visit to the exhibition with a morning walk or an evening promenade before dinner.

After visiting the EXMA cultural center, it is worth taking the time to explore the surroundings, as you are in one of the most interesting districts of the city. Literally a stone's throw away are ancient basilicas, majestic bastions, and observation decks with breathtaking views.