Opened in 2008 at Palazzo Mazzonis, MAO Museum of Oriental Art houses one of the most important collections of asiatic art in Italy and Europe. The Museum, though, is not only a place where the collections are presented to the public: opening up to an orientalist gaze, MAO wants to demonstrate how – through the scientific study and an active and evolving dialogue with the works of art, it is possible to achieve new interpretations of its heritage.
MAO presents itself as an open, social space and a meeting place, and as #MAOtempopresente: a lively and proactive environment where new visions are constantly produced, languages are renewed and the public, staff and external collaborators are stimulated, while everyone is invited to collaborate actively in making the museum a truly participatory place.
In accordance with its role as a civic museum and in compliance with ICOM (International Council of Museums) and its directives, MAO is committed to the conservation and the study of its collections, but also to collaborate with local communities in planning numerous training activities, laboratories, events and performances. For this reason, MAO reiterates its role as a welcoming place for guests, scholars, artists and the public and stands as a reference point in the relationship between the City of Turin, Italy and Asia.
