Comicon Naples 2026: exhibitions and art events not to miss

Comicon Naples 2026: exhibitions and art events not to miss

Comicon Naples 2026 goes beyond nerd culture: the COMICON OFF circuit brings a series of exhibitions and activities to the city that examine comics as an art form and the intersections with contemporary visual culture. Here is a practical guide to the main shows and happenings.

Main exhibition: Robert Crumb

Title: Robert Crumb. Bad Thoughts
Venue: Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
When: from 27 May to 31 August 2026
Curated by Matteo Stefanelli and Vincenzo Trione, the exhibition presents a broad selection from the artist's archive: from classic Zap Comix and Weirdo pieces to recent works like Tales of Paranoia. The show investigates the link between underground language and contemporary art and explores critical representations of society. Entry is included with the Castel Nuovo visit ticket.

Other exhibitions and related events

• Talk: "Bad Thoughts: Robert Crumb between Museum and Counterculture" — 28 May 2026, 11:00, Palazzo Cavalcanti, Casa della Cultura (Via Toledo). Curators and director/collector Giancarlo Soldi will speak. Free admission.
• Igort – Banshun: retrospective of watercolors and drawings — 1–30 May 2026, Galleria HDE Martucci (Via Giuseppe Fiorelli). Free entry.
• Daria Schmitt – Dream Cartographies: illustrations and original boards — 13–30 April 2026, Galleria HDE Martucci.
• Workshop: "DIY fanzines" with Ivan Ferrara — 15 May 2026, 10:30–12:30, Chikù – Largo Cittadinanza Attiva. Practical session, free participation.
• Block Party: urban art and hip-hop day — 19 April 2026, 10:00–14:00, Stazione ANM Centro Direzionale. Live painting, DJ sets and freestyle battles. Free event.
• ANM K-POP CONTEST: registrations 10–17 April; choreography performances 20–27 April 2026 — Fermate dell'Arte. Free participation (details and rules on the official COMICON OFF site).

Why visit

The OFF program turns Naples into a creative lab where comics meet contemporary art. Exhibitions provide new readings of illustration and narrative art, while workshops and talks make the festival accessible to diverse audiences — students, comic fans and art enthusiasts. Many events are free or low-cost.

Practical tips

• Tickets: check and book the Castel Nuovo ticket if you plan to see the Robert Crumb exhibition.
• Schedules: verify opening times for each venue on the official COMICON OFF calendar for updates or special openings.
• Accessibility: several venues offer facilitated access; contact the organizers in advance if you have specific needs.

Location

Via Toledo, 348, 80134 Naples NA, Italy.