Baroque Days: 'The Charm of the 17th–18th Century' across Bologna’s

Baroque Days: a citywide museum and heritage festival

Throughout May 2026, the metropolitan area of Bologna hosts the inaugural edition of Baroque Days, titled "The Charm of the 17th–18th Century between Medicina and the lands of Bologna." The program highlights museum collections and historic sites with concerts, lectures, guided tours and special openings dedicated to Baroque art and music.

Highlights and key events

• 2–3 May 2026 — Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute, Medicina: exceptional display of the silver monstrance by Angelo Gabriello Piò (1752) together with its terracotta model.
• 2 May 2026 — Sala Auditorium, Medicina: lecture "Itineraries of Bolognese Baroque sculpture: Angelo Gabriello Piò in Medicina" by Davide Lipari (free entry while seats last).
• 2 May 2026 — Chiesa del Crocifisso, Medicina: concert by the Orchestra Barocca di Bologna featuring works by Elia Vannini and Antonio Vivaldi.
• 3 May 2026 — Palazzo Comunale and Chiesa del Crocifisso, Medicina: CD presentation of Elia Vannini’s music and sacred music concert by Collegium Musicum Classense.
• 3 May 2026 — Pinacoteca civica "Domenico Inzaghi", Budrio: special opening and guided tours as part of Primaveranda (some free activities).
• 9 May 2026 — Museo di Arte Sacra, San Giovanni in Persiceto: special openings and guided visits showcasing altar paintings, reliquaries and liturgical furnishings of the local Baroque.
• 9 May 2026 — Museo Civico d’Arte Industriale e Galleria Davia Bargellini, Bologna: guided visit to the exhibition "Franceschini segreto. Un modello rivelato" (exhibition open until 20 September 2026).

Participating locations

The festival is promoted by the Municipality of Medicina and the cultural association "I Portici di Medicina" and involves the municipalities of Medicina, Bologna, Budrio, Pieve di Cento and San Giovanni in Persiceto. Events take place in museums, churches and historic venues, sometimes showing works that are not normally on public display.

Practical information

• Period: the entire month of May 2026.
• Event types: concerts, lectures, guided tours, special openings, exhibitions.
• Admission: several activities are free (while seats last); check each event for details.
• Tips: book guided tours in advance where possible and consult museum or municipal websites for updates on times and availability.

Baroque Days offers a chance to rediscover 17th–18th century masterpieces and figures such as Angelo Gabriello Piò, Alfonso Torreggiani and Elia Vannini. For the full program and booking information, contact local cultural offices or the websites of the participating institutions.