Exhibitions for 9-10 May 2026: Venice at the center of the art weekend

Exhibitions for 9-10 May 2026: Venice at the center of the weekend

The weekend of 9-10 May 2026 is a great opportunity for art visits: Venice hosts several major shows, including the 61st Venice Biennale, alongside monographic exhibitions and collateral projects. Below is a practical summary to help you plan.

Highlights in Venice

• 61st Venice International Art Exhibition – Venice Biennale (opens 9 May 2026) – the main event shaping many citywide exhibitions; on view until 22 November 2026.
• Georg Baselitz. Golden Heroes (Fondazione Giorgio Cini) – on display from 6 May to 27 September 2026, highlighting recent cycles with prominent gold grounds.
• David Salle, Painting in the Present Tense (Galleria di Palazzo Cini) – from 6 May to 27 September 2026: a project using AI to reinterpret painting archives.
• Alighiero Boetti (SMAC Venice, Procuratie) – from 7 May to 22 November 2026: a survey of maps, systems and textile works.
• Marina Abramović. Transforming Energy (Gallerie dell'Accademia) – visible from 6 May to 18 October 2026: an installation focusing on bodily attention and slowing down.
• Jan Fabre. The Quiet Source (Scuola Grande di San Rocco) – from 9 May to 22 November 2026: new sculptures in dialogue with Tintoretto.

Other openings across Italy

• Milan – collateral projects such as Sacred Bread at Fabbrica del Vapore and Refracted Worlds in via Tortona.
• Pordenone – Villa Cattaneo presents a focus for the Miles Davis centenary.
• Rome – a documentary exhibition at Spazio Opis features Karl Lagerfeld's letters to Armelle de Bascher.
• Subiaco – projects on artist books by Guido Strazza.
• Moresco – opening of Federica Giulianini's solo show Hear me.

Practical tips for the weekend

• If you have one day: focus on a compact area of Venice (e.g., San Giorgio Maggiore + Dorsoduro or Procuratie + Accademia) to minimize travel time.
• If you have two days: split institutional museums and collateral projects to allow deeper engagement.
• Tickets and hours: check official sites for preview openings, vernissages or limited time slots; Biennale and major shows often have extended hours.
• Planning: map your itinerary to optimize experience and transit; account for vaporetto schedules and entrance queues.

Useful address if you extend your route to Milan: Via Tortona, 20, 20144 Milano MI, Italy. For detailed opening times and ticket purchases, consult the official pages of each venue.