Brescia: 8 museum exhibitions not to miss this spring 2026

Spring brings a rich exhibition programme to Brescia: from Bruce Gilden’s striking portraits to Vivian Maier’s rediscovered street photography, plus contemporary installations and historical themes like Liberty style. Below is a practical summary of eight exhibitions to visit, with dates, venues and useful visitor notes.

• Bruce Gilden – two shows in the city: a major retrospective at the Museo di Santa Giulia and a site-specific installation at the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo. The exhibitions trace his career and feature powerful urban portraits. Check Fondazione Brescia Musei for times and tickets.
• Vivian Maier – photographic exhibition at Paci Contemporary (Borgo Wurher) featuring over fifty selected images in collaboration with the Howard Greenberg Gallery and the Vivian Maier Estate. Open until 30 September 2026. Accompanied by a catalogue with critical essays.
• Victoria Mater by Francesco Vezzoli – installation at the Capitolium, extended until 21 June 2026. Visit with the integrated ticket for civic museums and the Roman Brescia archaeological park; free entry for Brescia municipality residents. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00.
• Orpheus and Eurydice – project at the Galleria dell’Incisione that juxtaposes Dino Buzzati’s original plates with contemporary illustrators. From 14 May to 14 July 2026. The show also includes sculptures and design objects interpreting the myth.
• The Liberty style – exhibition at Palazzo Martinengo covering 1900–1915 across painting, applied arts and crafts. On view until 14 June 2026.
• “Lunaria” by Luca Missoni – works on the theme of the moon at the Casa Museo Zani (Cellatica). Open until 12 July 2026.
• Marion Baruch and Leonardo Meoni – exhibition “Mi fa pensare a…” at the The Address gallery (via Felice Cavallotti). A dialogue between textile art and velvet painting. Open until 31 May 2026. Free entry during gallery hours.
• The Brave Ones – show at Spazio Contemporanea (corsetto Sant’Agata) presenting international women artists from the Campiani collection. Open until 13 June 2026. The exhibition examines varied artistic practices addressing body, identity and visual language.

Practical tips: check official museum and gallery websites for updated opening hours and closures before you go; many exhibitions offer combined tickets or resident concessions. If you plan multiple visits in one day, confirm opening times (some venues close on Mondays) and consider online booking to avoid queues.