4 art exhibitions to see in Italy in May 2026

4 art exhibitions to see in Italy in May 2026

May features a busy exhibition calendar. Below are four shows open in different Italian cities with the key details to plan your visit: dates, highlights and practical tips to improve your experience.

Max Peiffer Watenphul. Painter of the Bauhaus — Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Rome

Dates: April 21 – August 23, 2026

Why visit: a selection of about 80 works — paintings, photographs and textiles — tracing the career of an artist trained at the Bauhaus. The exhibition is arranged in thematic rooms that spotlight connections with artists such as Paul Klee and Kandinsky.

FRANCISCUS. Brother in Art — Michelangelo Pistoletto, Rocca Maggiore, Assisi

Dates: April 24 – October 4, 2026

Why visit: an exhibition investigating spirituality and relationships through mirrored works that invite audience participation and reflection within the installation.

Mimmo Rotella. 1945–2005 — Palazzo Ducale, Genoa

Dates: April 24 – September 13, 2026

Why visit: a major retrospective of over one hundred works covering more than sixty years, from décollage to later experiments — a chance to explore the interplay between advertising imagery, memory and visual fragmentation.

Not Always Dead — Andrea Pazienza, MAXXI, Rome

Dates: April 24 – September 27, 2026

Why visit: a chronological exhibition dedicated to the master of Italian comics: original boards, sketches, unpublished material and a historic mural shown for the first time — perfect for examining the relationship between text and image.

Practical tips for visiting

• Check updated opening hours and online booking requirements on each museum's official site before you go.
• Opt for weekdays or evening openings to avoid crowds.
• Look for guided tours or thematic talks to deepen your visit.
• Keep digital tickets handy and plan travel time between cities if you intend to see multiple shows on the same trip.