L’Aquila 2026: Council approves MAXXI project featuring the exhibition

L’Aquila strengthens its 2026 cultural programme with Ai Weiwei at MAXXI

The municipal council of L’Aquila, in a statement dated 23 April 2026, approved the project proposal submitted by the Fondazione MAXXI to host the exhibition Ai Weiwei: Aftershock at MAXXI L’Aquila – Palazzo Ardinghelli. The initiative is part of L’Aquila Capital of Italian Culture 2026.

• Content: a selection of works by artist and activist Ai Weiwei, addressing contemporary art, memory and civic engagement.
• Budget and funding: total project cost €380,000; the municipality allocated a €50,000 contribution from the RESTART 2 funds, conditional on implementation and reporting.
• Organization: operational and management responsibilities lie with the Fondazione MAXXI, while the municipality retains strategic coordination duties.

The statement indicates the initiative is intended to strengthen the city’s exhibition offer, valorize local heritage and produce positive social, tourist and economic impacts. The project falls under the measure «Cultural events of the national museum institutes in L’Aquila 2026» and aligns with the «L’Aquila City Multiverse» dossier.

The exhibition is presented as one of the foremost events of the 2026 cultural calendar, aimed at promoting the city as an active centre of contemporary cultural production.