Exhibitions to See: 9–17 May 2026

Exhibitions to See: 9–17 May 2026

From 9 to 17 May Italy’s exhibition calendar features notable shows—from retrospectives to solo projects and a city-wide gallery weekend. Below is a concise guide to the highlights and practical notes for planning visits.

• Alessandro Mendini. Things. Rooms as Worlds — Villa Giulia, Verbania. Opening 16 May; a comprehensive retrospective presenting over 130 works arranged room by room, featuring iconic pieces such as the Poltrona di Proust and the Straw Chair. Runs until 27 September.
• Ndayé Kouagou — Heaven’s truth — Collezione Maramotti, Reggio Emilia. The artist’s first solo show in Italy includes video, installations and wall works created for the exhibition. The narrative-driven project examines language, irony and fragmented communication. On view until 26 July.
• Roma Gallery Weekend – Contemporanea — Rome, 15–17 May. A city-wide gallery weekend with 32 contemporary art galleries presenting exhibitions and events across different neighborhoods, offering thematic routes from photography to urban art.
• Thematic highlights this week — Shows probe the intersections of aesthetics and power, the relationship between nature and figuration, and the performative uses of language in contemporary practice—recommended for visitors seeking critical and narrative-driven exhibitions.

Practical tips: check opening hours and access rules on each institution’s website before you go; many venues schedule guided tours and weekend activities.