Not-to-miss exhibitions in May 2026: a practical guide to shows in Italy

Not-to-miss exhibitions in May 2026

May 2026 brings a full schedule of exhibitions across Italy: international showcases and solo shows fill museums, foundations and galleries. Below is a concise overview of key exhibitions and practical advice for planning visits.

Highlighted exhibitions

• Padiglione Italia — Biennale Arte 2026, Venice: "Con te con tutto", curated by Cecilia Canziani. Ceramic installations exploring the dialogue between tradition and contemporary practice. When: from 9 May to 22 November 2026.
• Marina Abramović — Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice: a retrospective focused on performance and conceptual art.
• Diana Markosian — Gallerie d’Italia, Turin: photographic projects and contemporary visual narratives.
• Alessandro Mendini — Villa Giulia, Verbania: exhibition on design and the artist’s projectual thinking.
• Luigi Ghirri — Palazzo dei Musei, Reggio Emilia: focus on photography and landscape.
• Arthur Jafa and Richard Prince — Fondazione Prada, Venice: a dialogue between different contemporary visual languages.
• Additional shows in smaller venues: Mimmo Rotella (Genoa), Mimmo Paladino (Milan), Brian Eno (Parma), Isaac Julien (Bergamo) and projects in independent spaces.

Practical information

• Tickets: book online in advance for major events like the Biennale to avoid queues and secure preferred time slots.
• Opening hours: always check the official schedule of the hosting institution; hours may change on weekends or during special events.
• Guided tours: many exhibitions offer guided visits, educational materials or themed routes to deepen understanding of works and context.
• Transport: plan transfers between art cities (Venice, Milan, Turin, Parma, Bergamo) to make the most of your time.

Why visit

The featured shows span diverse practices—from photography and design to performance and conceptual art—suitable for a day visit or a longer cultural itinerary. May 2026 is an excellent moment to experience both historical figures and current contemporary proposals across Italy.

Where

Example venue: Campo de la Tana, 2169, 30122 Venice. Always verify the exact address and coordinates of the exhibition you plan to visit on the official venue website.