Must-see exhibitions in May 2026: from Marina Abramović to Alessandro

Must-see exhibitions in May 2026

May brings a dense program of exhibitions across Italy, from large international events to solo shows in prominent institutions. Below is a practical guide to the most noteworthy exhibitions, with locations and visitor tips.

Italian Pavilion — Biennale Arte 2026

Title: Con te con tutto | Curator: Cecilia Canziani

Where: Giardini and Arsenale, Venice

When: from 9 May to 22 November 2026

The Italian Pavilion presents a collective project by Chiara Camoni that combines ceramic figures, references to tradition and contemporary commissions. The installation alternates between domestic-like environments and mythic presences, creating dialogues with historical works and new commissions.

Other recommended shows

• Marina Abramović — Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice: a retrospective focused on the performative and conceptual practice.
• Diana Markosian — Gallerie d’Italia, Turin: contemporary photography and narrative images.
• Alessandro Mendini — Villa Giulia, Verbania: a tribute to Mendini’s design and thought.
• Luigi Ghirri — Palazzo dei Musei, Reggio Emilia: explorations of photography and landscape.
• Arthur Jafa and Richard Prince — Fondazione Prada, Venice: a dialogue between contemporary visual languages.
• Mimmo Rotella — Palazzo Ducale, Genoa; Mimmo Paladino — Palazzo Citterio, Milan; Brian Eno — Parma; Isaac Julien — Bergamo.
• Smaller institutions and galleries also show significant projects: Walter Pfeiffer at the Pinacoteca Agnelli, Marco Fusinato at PAC Milan, Monica Biancardi at MAN Nuoro, Giuseppe Chiari at Galleria Susanna Orlando (Pietrasanta).

Practical information and tips

• Tickets: book online for major events (e.g. the Biennale) to avoid queues and secure time slots.
• Opening hours: check official schedules — weekend and special event hours may vary.
• Guided visits: many shows offer guided tours or educational materials—useful for deeper understanding.
• Travel planning: when visiting multiple cities (Venice, Milan, Turin, Parma, Bergamo), factor in travel time to make the most of each visit.

Why visit

The selected exhibitions span photography, design, performance and contemporary art, providing a broad overview of current artistic production and historical dialogues. Whether you plan a single-day city visit or a longer cultural itinerary, Italy’s May 2026 program offers numerous opportunities for discovery.