At the Basilica Palladiana: three exhibitions explore Italy’s cultural

Basilica Palladiana: a three-part exhibition on European cultural exchange

The Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza launches a series titled “Inspiration Europe. Art Dialogues between the 19th and 20th Centuries,” investigating cultural and artistic exchanges between Italy and three European countries. The first exhibition, focused on Italy–Germany relations, opens on 13 November 2026 and runs until 2 May 2027.

• First installment title: Italy Germany. Painting and Sculpture between the 19th and 20th Centuries. From Canova to Kiefer
• Venue: Basilica Palladiana, Vicenza
• Dates: 2026-11-13 – 2027-05-02
• Curators: Gabriella Belli and Valerio Terraroli
• Organisers and partners: Marsilio Arte; Intesa Sanpaolo as main partner

The exhibition series is conceived as a multi-year project: the opening show traces over two centuries of cultural interchange between Italy and Germany, from Goethe’s Italian journey and the Roman Nazarene community to 20th-century movements that shaped European modernity.

The itinerary brings into conversation pivotal figures and movements — from Winckelmann’s theories, Canova and Thorvaldsen, through the Secessions and Futurism’s presence in Berlin, to the avant-gardes of the twentieth century. It also addresses central themes such as 20th-century memory, presenting works by artists who have engaged with Europe’s historical responsibilities from the postwar period to contemporary times.

Subsequent shows will focus on exchanges with France (2027) and Spain (2028), aiming to map the concrete intersections that helped shape a shared European cultural perspective.

Visitor information: check visiting hours, access rules and related events (guided tours, talks and publications) on the Basilica Palladiana website or through the exhibition organisers before planning your visit.