RIF – The Museum of the Suburbs is a project of Roma Capitale, Azienda Speciale Palaexpo, and Municipio VI. Conceived and directed by Giorgio de Finis, RIF aims to shine a spotlight on the suburbs as part of a broader exploration of urban phenomena on a global scale. 

The name RIF, formed from the middle letters of the Italian word periferia (periphery, suburbs), also alludes to the need to RIFondare (re-found) the city as a whole, suburban areas included.

As well as being a museum of contemporary art, RIF is also a research centre. The aim is to deepen our understanding of third-millennium metropolises and, above all, to imagine and help create through artistic and relational practices a more equitable, participatory, and inclusive city: a city for everyone.

Work is currently under way on the construction of the museum’s permanent home as part of the Integrated Plan for the Tor Bella Monaca - Tor Vergata area. The museum will be located in the northern courtyard of Block R5 on Via dell’Archeologia. The feasibility design was prepared by Orazio Carpenzano (architect, academic, and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Sapienza University of Rome), while the detailed design was developed by Valle 3.0.

The project comprises a net floor area of 1,740 square metres, including an entrance hall, a bar, a bookshop, a study room, three large halls and an open-plan space for concerts, film screenings and events. Office and service areas are also provided, together with four artists’ studios.

Once completed, The Museum of the Suburbs will the first museum of Roma Capitale to be located outside the Grande Raccordo Anulare.

While awaiting its permanent home, RIF – The Museum of the Suburbs has already been active for several years through IPER – Festival of the Suburbs, a travelling event now in its fifth edition.