Fondation Burri, Modern art museum and foundation in Città di Castello, Italy

Fondazione Burri occupies two exhibition spaces: the Renaissance Palazzo Albizzini and the industrial Ex-Seccatoi di Tabacco, housing more than 200 artworks. The two buildings create a contrast between classical architecture and converted industrial space.

The foundation was established in 1978 with 32 works donated by Alberto Burri, who shifted from medicine to art during World War II. His wartime transformation shaped the philosophical direction of the collection.

The foundation's name honours Burri's native Città di Castello, where he chose to place his own collection. The Palazzo Albizzini rooms follow a chronological order: Catrami, Muffe, Sacchi, Legni and Ferri from the 1950s, Plastiche from the 1960s, Cretti and Cellotex from the 1970s and 1980s, then Multiplex. The Ex Seccatoi hangars were painted black on Burri's own instruction.

The two sites lie apart: Palazzo Albizzini in the historic centre and the Ex Seccatoi del Tabacco on the edge of Città di Castello, so plan transport between them. Palazzo Albizzini spreads over three floors and the Ex Seccatoi occupy vast former drying halls of 14,000 square metres, with three painted iron sculptures on the lawn outside. The sources give no verified information on step-free access, so check with the foundation before visiting.

The Ex-Seccatoi di Tabacco, a former tobacco drying facility, now holds large installations and monumental iron sculptures in its raw industrial space. The contrast between the building's original purpose and the contemporary artworks creates an unexpected encounter.