Rome exhibitions in May 2026: must-see museum shows

Rome exhibitions in May 2026: what to visit in the city's museums

May brings a rich program of temporary exhibitions and museum shows to Rome. Below is a concise, practical selection of exhibitions running or with key events in May: dates, opening times, venues and useful tips for planning your visit.

• Annabella Rossi – Museo di Roma in Trastevere
  Dates: 2 April – 31 May 2026
  Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
  Address: Piazza di S. Egidio, 1/b
  A photography show blending anthropology and art—recommended for those who enjoy documentary narratives.
• Agnès Varda: “Qui e là, tra Parigi e Roma” – Villa Medici
  Dates: 25 February – 25 May 2026
  Hours: 10:00 – 19:00
  Address: Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1
  A photographic exhibition connecting Paris and Rome, suitable for photography and cinema enthusiasts.
• Hokusai – Palazzo Bonaparte
  Dates: 27 March – 29 June 2026
  Hours: 09:00 – 19:30
  Address: Piazza Venezia, 5
  The Great Wave and other Japanese prints: an opportunity to explore Eastern art in central Rome.
• The Face of Women – Palazzo Madama (Sala Maccari)
  Dates: 6 March – 7 June 2026
  Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
  Address: Piazza Madama
  Free exhibition celebrating female creativity and achievement across history and art.
• World Press Photo 2026 – Palazzo Esposizioni
  Dates: 7 May – 29 June 2026
  Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
  Address: Via Nazionale, 194
  The award-winning photojournalism exhibition—powerful and essential for documentary photography fans.
• Model Making in Rome – Palazzo Valentini (free event)
  Dates: 7 – 8 May 2026
  Hours: 10:00 – 17:00
  Address: Via IV Novembre, 119/A
  Free showcase of miniatures and models: suitable for families and hobbyists.
• “Romasuona” – Palazzo Esposizioni
  Dates: 1 May – 12 July 2026
  Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
  Address: Via Nazionale, 194
  Exhibition on 1970s music culture—of interest to those into pop culture and social history.
• Night of the Museums 2026 – citywide museum events
  Date: 23 May 2026, 20:00 – 23:59
  Museums offer evening openings, guided tours and special programs: check each institution's schedule.

Practical tips: book tickets in advance when possible, verify updated opening hours on official museum websites, aim for early morning or late-afternoon visits to avoid crowds, and take advantage of evening openings for a calmer experience.

This overview highlights key museum exhibitions in Rome for May 2026. For ticket details, guided tours and side events, consult the official pages of the individual museums.