4 art exhibitions in Italy to see in May 2026

May brings a rich roster of exhibitions across Italy. Whether you are interested in Bauhaus legacies, participatory installations, or comic art, here are four shows open in spring–summer 2026 with dates, highlights and practical visiting tips.

• Max Peiffer Watenphul. Painter of the Bauhaus — Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Rome
  Dates: 21 April – 23 August 2026.
  Why visit: about 80 works (painting, photography, textiles) trace Watenphul's career from his Bauhaus formation; the exhibition is arranged in five thematic rooms and highlights dialogues with artists like Paul Klee and Kandinsky.

• FRANCISCUS. Brother in Art — Michelangelo Pistoletto, Rocca Maggiore, Assisi
  Dates: 24 April – 4 October 2026.
  Why visit: a project exploring spirituality and relations through mirror-based works such as the Third Paradise; the reflective surfaces invite visitors to become active participants in the artwork.

• Mimmo Rotella. 1945–2005 — Palazzo Ducale, Genoa
  Dates: 24 April – 13 September 2026.
  Why visit: a comprehensive retrospective with over one hundred works covering six decades, from décollage to later series; useful to understand Rotella's critique of media and fragmented imagery.

• Non sempre si muore — Andrea Pazienza, MAXXI, Rome
  Dates: 24 April – 27 September 2026.
  Why visit: chronological exhibition showcasing Pazienza’s drawings, unpublished material, sketches and archives, including a landmark mural shown for the first time; essential for fans of graphic storytelling and cultural critique.

Practical tips: check opening times and booking requirements on each museum’s website before you go; consider weekday or evening visits to avoid crowds; look for guided tours or educational programs to deepen your visit.