Ten must-see exhibitions in Italy in May 2026

Ten must-see exhibitions in Italy in May 2026

May opens a busy period of openings and exhibitions nationwide. Below is a curated selection of notable shows—retrospectives, first solo exhibitions and site-specific projects—plus practical advice for planning your visit.

Selected exhibitions

• Cecilia Vicuña — El glaciar ido, Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, Rivoli (TO) — until 20 September 2026. The artist's first solo show in Italy featuring participatory installations, video work and new "wall poems" designed for the Manica Lunga.
• Walter Pfeiffer — In Good Company, Pinacoteca Agnelli, Turin — until 13 September 2026. A wide-ranging photographic survey covering nude, portrait, landscape and fashion from the 1970s to today.
• Remains – The Alchemy of Lost Memory, Associazione Barriera, Turin — until 25 June 2026. An original group show focusing on traces, transformation and memory with works by contemporary artists.
• Bernd and Hilla Becher — History of a Method, Fondazione MAST, Bologna — until 27 September 2026. An extensive retrospective with over 350 photographs that trace the Bechers' method and influence on contemporary photographic practice.
• Venice satellites and events — the 61st Venice Biennale turns the city into a dispersed exhibition system: private institutions, galleries and temporary venues present projects in dialogue with the Giardini and Arsenale.

Practical tips for visiting

• Plan ahead: check updated opening hours and possible closures; many venues offer online ticketing to avoid queues.
• Book limited-access shows: some site-specific installations or performances require advance reservation.
• Arrange transport: in cities such as Venice and Turin transfers between venues can take time; plan routes and transport to make the most of your visit.
• Check accessibility and services: visit institutional websites for information on step-free access, guided tours and visitor facilities.
• Useful contacts: for updated opening times and ticketing details contact the exhibition venues directly or consult their official sites.

This overview is intended to help you navigate the month's highlights, balancing historical shows, contemporary projects and new debuts. For full details on schedules and admission procedures, consult the official channels of each exhibiting institution.