Must-see exhibitions in Italy in April 2026: practical guide

Must-see exhibitions in Italy in April 2026

April is busy with cultural events: museums, galleries and foundations host temporary shows and retrospectives covering art, photography and design. Below is a curated selection of the main initiatives with practical information for planning your visit.

Main events

• Milano Art Week (13-19 April): a city-wide week of exhibitions, guided tours, performances and artist talks across more than 200 venues including museums and galleries. A great opportunity to explore contemporary projects throughout Milan.
• Milano Design Week (20-26 April): the international design event featuring the Salone del Mobile in Rho and the Fuorisalone in various neighborhoods, showcasing contemporary design and experimental projects.
• "Nostro contemporaneo" – Palazzo Baldeschi, Perugia (18 April - 1 November 2026): an exhibition investigating the relationship between art and spirituality, with works by contemporary masters.
• Frida Kahlo photographic exhibition – Palazzo Pepoli, Bologna (open until 27 September 2026): about 70 iconic photographs by leading photographers documenting the artist's life and public image.
• Katsushika Hokusai – Palazzo Bonaparte, Rome (open until 29 June 2026): more than 200 prints and drawings highlighting the work of the renowned Japanese master.

Spotlight on Milan

• Gianfranco Frattini 1926-2026 (Castello Sforzesco, Museum of Furniture and Wooden Sculptures, 31 March - 28 June): centennial events and exhibits presenting archival material and key pieces that trace the designer's legacy.
• "Wild by Design" – Marco Grasso (ADI Design Museum, 1-13 April): an exhibition exploring the intersection of nature and design through wildlife art. Free admission to encourage broad public participation.

Why visit

• Diverse programming from major retrospectives to thematic shows and site-specific installations.
• Guided tours, talks and performances often complement exhibitions, enriching the visitor experience.
• Many venues offer combined tickets or free entry during selected times or for specific categories.

Practical tips for visitors

• Check opening hours and any temporary closures on the official venue website before traveling.
• Book tickets online when possible to avoid queues, especially during city-wide events like Art Week and Design Week.
• Look for guided tours or scheduled activities that may require prior reservation to enhance your visit.
• For popular shows, consider visiting during less busy hours (morning or late evening openings) and look into combined passes for multiple venues.

This overview highlights the main exhibitions in April 2026. For detailed information on schedules, ticket prices and visitor services, consult the official websites of each institution or the event pages.