Must-see exhibitions in Italy — May 2026

Highlighted exhibitions — May 2026

May brings a busy exhibition calendar across Italy: from independent galleries to national institutions, several retrospectives and site-specific projects are on display. Here is a curated selection with practical details for planning your visit.

• Igor Grubić – Early Works: at Laveronica Gallery in Modica, a show presenting the artist’s early experiments — collages, performances and urban interventions blending political commitment and conceptual irony. When: until 18 July 2026. Where: Laveronica Gallery, Modica.
• Lisetta Carmi – Cinque strade: at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria in Perugia, a photographic survey documenting marginalized communities and places of work and migration, from Genoa to Staglieno and travels in India and Mexico. When: until 27 September 2026. Where: Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, Perugia.
• Ettore Sottsass – exhibition focus: a spotlight on one of Italy’s leading designers and architects in Pistoia. Check the hosting venue’s calendar for opening times and related events.

Other recommended events

• Larry Nederlof — Echoes and Origin: solo show in Livorno (Extra Factory). When: 9–23 May 2026.
• Parthenope. The Siren and the City: at the National Archaeological Museum (ongoing exhibition). When: from 3 April to 6 July 2026.

Practical tips for visitors

• Check opening hours: always consult the official website of the gallery or institution for updated information on hours, special closures and related events.
• Buy tickets online where available to avoid queues and secure access during peak times.
• Plan logistics: when visiting busy art cities, consider booking restaurants and transport in advance to make the most of your day.
• Allow time to engage: many contemporary shows require attentive reading and pauses — they are not just set pieces for quick photos.

For details on tickets, guided tours and exact schedules, refer to the official websites of the exhibiting venues and organizers.