Easter in Bologna and Province: exhibitions, guided tours and museum

Easter programme (5–6 April 2026)

Over Easter and Easter Monday the museums of Bologna and the surrounding province offer extended openings, exhibitions, guided tours and family workshops. Below are the main events to help you organise your visits.

Museums and events across the area

• Bentivoglio – Museum of Rural Civilization (Villa Smeraldi)

  Monday 6 April: traditional Easter Monday event with the show "Sandrino: l'anima popolare in pista. Journey into Filuzzi's Bologna" curated by Alessandro Cervellati, featuring scholars and live music. Free admission. The museum is open Sunday and Monday from 14:00 to 18:00. Info: www.museociviltacontadina.bo.it

• Imola – Civic museums

  On Easter and Easter Monday Imola's museums are open with temporary exhibitions and permanent collections. Highlights include Giovanni Frangi's solo show "Vera da pozzo", the city's art collection and the eclectic Museo Giuseppe Scarabelli. Palazzo Tozzoni is visitable as a historic house-museum. Info: imolamusei

• Dozza – Rocca Museum

  Weekend openings for current exhibitions: "Armonia in grigio et in silenzio", "Il mondo di Leo", "I polacchi che liberarono l'Italia" and "About Human. The inner landscape" by Emeid. Info: www.fondazionedozza.it

• San Lazzaro di Savena – "L. Donini" Museum of Prehistory

  Special family events: Saturday at 16:30 "Great pre-historic egg hunt!" (ages 4–10). Monday at 16:30 guided activity "Discovering the museum's secrets" with flintknapping and fire-making demonstrations. Reservation required: 051 465132. Info: www.museodellapreistoria.it

• Bologna – Civic Museums

  All Civic Museums are open Sunday and Monday from 10:00 to 19:00, offering temporary shows, guided tours, educational activities and workshops. Selected events:

  • Museum of Industrial Heritage: Sunday at 16:00 workshop "La Scienza Curiosa" (ages 6–10). Reservation required: 051 6356611 or [email protected] by 1 pm on the preceding Friday. Free entry for participants and one accompanying adult.
  • Civic Archaeological Museum: Sunday at 17:00 guided tour "The masterpieces of the Archaeological Museum".
  • MAMbo – Museum of Modern Art of Bologna: Monday at 16:00 guided tour of "John Giorno: The Performative Word". Reservation: [email protected]. Admission included in the exhibition ticket.
  • Medieval Museum: Monday at 16:00 workshop "At the base of art" for children 8–11 years. Reservation: [email protected]. Free for participants and one adult.
  • University Museums: Saturday at 10:30 guided visit to the University Library; afternoon visit at Palazzo Poggi on "The Matilda Effect".
  • Museo della Specola: guided visits Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 and Monday at 16:30.
• National Art Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale)

  Open Monday 6 April from 9:00 to 19:00 (closed Tuesday 7). On display: "More Than This", featuring works by artists connected to the Venice Academy.

• Palazzo Pepoli – Museum of the History of Bologna

  Exhibition "Frida Kahlo. The gaze as identity", a photographic investigation into the artist's self-image.

• Palazzo Boncompagni

  Exhibition on Michelangelo Pistoletto; weekend visiting hours may be modified—check the official site for current times. Info: palazzoboncompagni.it

Practical information

• Opening hours: many museums have special openings for Easter—verify exact times on museum websites before you go.
• Reservations: some activities require advance booking (contacts listed above). Book early, especially for children's workshops.
• Accessibility: check with each institution for services and any limitations for visitors with disabilities.
• Tickets: verify fees, free entry options and reductions on the official museum pages.

For a full calendar of openings and activities, consult the civic museums' online agenda and the official websites of the institutions mentioned.