Weekend exhibitions: Siena marks 100 years of women's vote, Venice

Exhibitions to see this weekend

Two cultural highlights that connect historical memory and contemporary art: in Siena an exhibition marks 100 years since women first voted in Italy, while in Venice the Peggy Guggenheim Collection features a selection of works by Jenny Saville. Both exhibitions include talks, educational activities and special events.

Siena: centenary of women's first vote

The Civic Museum of Siena presents a show reconstructing the 1924 milestone through archive documents, period photographs and oral testimonies. The display highlights local stories of municipal involvement, teaching and activism, supported by explanatory panels and recorded interviews.

• Contents: original documents, photographs, letters and first-hand accounts.
• Program: conferences, public debates and school workshops.
• Visitor info: guided tours and thematic routes for students are available.

Practical tip: check museum opening times and book guided tours in advance, as many side events require registration.

Venice: Jenny Saville and the depiction of the body

At the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, an exhibition devoted to British painter Jenny Saville presents powerful, unidealized portrayals of the human body. The show includes works created for the venue and engages in a dialogue with Venice's artistic heritage.

• Contents: recent paintings and site-specific works exploring identity and corporeality.
• Events: curator talks, workshops and student programs.
• Audience: suitable for contemporary art enthusiasts, critics and cultural professionals.

Practical tip: buy tickets ahead to avoid queues and consult the schedule for artist talks and panel discussions.

Why visit these shows this weekend

These exhibitions offer a meaningful dialogue between past and present: Siena emphasizes the civic importance of women's suffrage, while Venice highlights contemporary challenges in representing the body. Both programs engage diverse audiences through educational initiatives and public conversations.

Practical note: because exhibitions run for a limited time, verify official dates and opening hours on the institutions' websites and consider booking in advance.