Ten exhibitions not to miss in Italy in May 2026

Ten exhibitions not to miss in Italy in May 2026

May kicks off a busy season of openings and long-term projects across Italy. Alongside the 61st Venice Biennale, public and private institutions present retrospectives, solo debuts and site-specific works. Below is a curated selection of the most significant exhibitions and practical tips for visiting.

• Cecilia Vicuña — El glaciar ido, Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, Rivoli (TO) — until 20 September 2026. The artist’s first major show in Italy: participatory installations, video and new wall-poems created for the Manica Lunga.
• Walter Pfeiffer — In Good Company, Pinacoteca Agnelli, Turin — until 13 September 2026. A broad photographic survey spanning nudity, portraiture, landscape and fashion from the 1970s to today.
• Remains – The Alchemy of Lost Memory, Associazione Barriera, Turin — until 25 June 2026. A collective show exploring traces, transformation and memory with works by Edoardo Caimi, Nicola Ghirardelli and Bri Williams.
• Bernd and Hilla Becher — History of a Method, MAST Foundation, Bologna — until 27 September 2026. An extensive retrospective with over 350 photographs documenting the Bechers' method and its impact on contemporary photography.
• Venice satellites — the 61st Biennale turns the city into a dispersed exhibition system: private foundations, galleries and temporary venues stage projects in dialogue with the Giardini and Arsenale.

Practical tips for visiting

• Plan ahead: check opening times, special closures and online ticketing to avoid queues.
• Book limited-access shows: some site-specific installations or performances require reservations.
• Allow travel time: in cities like Venice and Turin, transfers between venues can take time—plan routes to maximize visits.
• Accessibility: consult venue websites for information on accessible entry, services and guided tours.

This selection offers a practical overview for the month: historical exhibitions, contemporary projects and premieres that map diverse trajectories in Italian art. For up-to-date opening times and ticket details, consult the official websites of each venue.