Exhibitions closing in Rome: must-see shows in May 2026

Exhibitions closing in Rome: what to see in May 2026

In the coming weeks Rome hosts several exhibitions that will close in May: from photography to large-scale installations and retrospectives. Below is a practical selection with dates, venues and useful visitor information.

• It’s Happening Again – Adrian Tranquilli (Museo di Roma - Palazzo Braschi)

  Period: 2026-04-11 – 2026-05-24. The solo show occupies the ground-floor rooms and features three new installations exploring themes of power and the hero/antihero figure. Admission: free. Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–19:00 (last admission one hour earlier). Closed on Mondays.

• Wu Jian’an. Metamorphoses (Museo Nazionale Romano – Terme di Diocleziano)

  Period: 2026-03-25 – 2026-05-17. The artist’s first museum solo in Italy: leather installations, hand-blown Murano glass, cut-paper works and monumental collages that weave Ovid’s Metamorphoses with Eastern traditions. Access: included in the museum ticket. Opening hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–19:00 (last admission 18:00).

• Agnès Varda. De-ci de-là Paris–Rome (Villa Medici)

  Period: 2026-02-25 – 2026-05-25. A wide retrospective comparing Varda’s photographic and cinematic work between Paris and Rome, featuring around 130 original prints, film excerpts and archival materials.

• Elisa Montessori. The Dream of the Red Chamber (project EUR_Asia)

  Period: extended until 2026-05-31. An exhibition in dialogue with collections of Asian arts and cultures; check venue opening times and ticketing before visiting.

Practical tips

• Always verify updated opening hours and visiting procedures on the museums' official websites before you go.
• Even free exhibitions may require booking or have limited entry—check in advance.
• Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid weekend crowds, especially for shows nearing their closing date.
• Look out for any timed-entry systems or crowd-control measures at the venues.

This selection highlights contemporary art, photography and large-scale installations in institutional venues—an occasion to visit the exhibitions remaining open through the end of May 2026.