Spring exhibitions 2026: 7 must-see shows in Italy from Miró to Escher

Spring exhibitions 2026: 7 must-see shows in Italy

Spring brings a packed exhibition calendar across Italy: from Joan Miró's graphic intimacy to M.C. Escher's visual puzzles, including Caravaggio, Banksy and Mario Giacomelli. Below a concise, practical guide to seven noteworthy shows with locations, opening times and ticket information.

Joan Miró – Naples

An exhibition focused on Miró's relationship with writing, featuring his book illustrations and calligraphic signs.

• Where: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore alla Pietrasanta – Lapis Museum, Naples
• Until: 19 April 2026
• Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-19:30; Sat-Sun and holidays 9:30-20:30
• Tickets: full weekday €13; full weekend/holidays €15; open €17; reduced €10

Diana Markosian – Turin

Photography, film and installations exploring love and loss, including a specially made film for the immersive room.

• Where: Gallerie d'Italia, Turin
• Period: from 10 April to 6 September 2026
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9:30-19:00; closed Monday
• Tickets: full €12; reduced €10; free for partners, schools and under 26

M.C. Escher – Padua

A comprehensive display of Escher's work with over 150 pieces, immersive installations and interactive stations to experience his visual paradoxes.

• Where: Centro Culturale Altinate | San Gaetano, Padua
• Until: 19 July 2026
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9:00-19:30; Mon 14:30-19:30
• Tickets: full €16; reduced €15-14; children (4-11) €6

Etruscans and Veneti: Waters, cults and sanctuaries – Venice

An archaeological exhibition examining the sacred role of water in Etruscan religion, with artefacts and reconstructions from key sanctuary sites.

• Where: Doge's Apartment, Doge's Palace, Venice
• Until: 29 September 2026
• Opening hours: daily 9:00-19:00
• Tickets: full €13; reduced €9

The Banksy Archive 01: The School of Bristol 1983-2005 – Bologna

Over 300 works and archival materials retracing the social and cultural scene in Bristol that shaped Banksy's language.

• Where: Palazzo Fava, Bologna
• Until: 2 August 2026
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00; closed Monday
• Tickets: full €14; reduced €10 (11-18, 75+); university reduced €7

Mario Giacomelli. Beyond the visible – Aosta

A selection of the most significant black-and-white photographs by Giacomelli, from rural scenes to his late experimental abstractions.

• Where: Centro Saint-Bénin, Aosta
• Until: 13 September 2026
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00
• Tickets: full €8; reduced €6-4

Caravaggio and the Masters of Light – Rome

A survey of Caravaggio's legacy featuring L'incredulità di San Tommaso and works by artists influenced by his dramatic use of light.

• Where: Museum of the Infantry and Italian Army, Rome
• Until: 28 June 2026

Practical tip: Check official museum websites for up-to-date opening times and to book timed-entry tickets, especially on weekends and public holidays.