Edited by Maristella Casciato and Fulvio Irace

Gio Ponti - architect, designer, art director, writer, poet, professor, and critic - was one of the most renowned protagonists of Italian architecture and design in the 20th century. Forty years after his death, the Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo (MAXXI) in Rome is dedicating a major retrospective to this exceptional figure. Beginning with his architecture, which can be charaterised as a unique and original synthesis of tradition and modernity, history and design, elite culture and everyday life, the show explores his many-faceted talent, selecting projects that concretely illustrate the key concepts found throughout his architecture and design work. Included here are archival materials, models, photographs, books, magazines and objects which illustrate the many achievements of his six decade career.