MAXXI architecture is the first national museum of architecture in Italy. Its identity is defined through its connections with Italy and Italian culture. The museum is home to two different souls, one focused on the historicisation of 20th century architecture and one focused on its contemporary counterpart, which seeks to offer responses to present-day questions by interpreting the exceptions of today’s’ society. A historical and contemporary museum that mixes the past with the present, adopting forms and methods focused on developing a path of study on a case-by-case basis, analysing trends, personalities, cultural models and social behaviour.