Giotto and Saint Francis in Perugia: the exhibition that redraws the

Key information

Title: Giotto and Saint Francis. A revolution in 14th-century Umbria
Dates: 14 March – 14 June 2026
Venue: Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, Perugia

Why visit

This exhibition explores the connection between Saint Francis’s spiritual renewal and Giotto’s breakthrough in pictorial representation. Featuring more than sixty works and important loans, the show maps the shift from Byzantine-influenced conventions to a more realistic, volumetric approach that paved the way for modern art.

Highlights

• Giotto’s works: masterpieces from his early period illustrating the emergence of spatial depth and human psychology in painting.
• Umbrian followers: painted crosses and panels tracing the regional spread of Giotto’s style.
• Contemporary masters: works by Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and other Sienese artists who enriched the Umbrian scene.
• Exhibition design and multimedia: immersive video and reconstructions that recreate the visual experience of medieval pilgrims.

Associated programme

The exhibition is accompanied by guided routes through Franciscan sites across Umbria, creative workshops for children, scholarly talks and thematic itineraries. A scholarly catalogue publishes essays on the restorations and the research behind the show.

Research and curatorship

Curated by Veruska Picchiarelli and Emanuele Zappasodi, the project includes diagnostic studies, conservation interventions and reconstructed ensembles. International scholarly collaboration underscores the exhibition’s contribution to medieval art history.

Visitor tips

• Check opening hours and visitor rules on the Galleria’s official site before planning your trip.
• Book tickets in advance during weekends and holidays, as the exhibition draws high attendance.
• Families should consider the children’s workshops, designed to introduce art and spirituality through hands-on activities.

The show offers a clear, research-based narrative of the 14th-century transformation in art and faith — an accessible experience that connects historical depth with contemporary public programming.