Premio Mestre di Pittura 2026 – Finalists' Group Exhibition at MUVEC

Premio Mestre di Pittura 2026 – Finalists' Group Exhibition

The tenth edition of the Premio Mestre di Pittura features a collective exhibition of sixty finalist works, on view at the new MUVEC – Casa delle Contemporaneità in Piazzale Candiani, Mestre.

Practical information

• Dates: 25 April 2026 – 7 June 2026
• Opening: Friday 24 April 2026 (inaugural evening); free admission also on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April
• Venue: MUVEC – Casa delle Contemporaneità, Piazzale Candiani 7, 30171 Mestre (VE), Italy
• Opening hours: daily 10:00–18:00, closed on Monday
• Tickets: museum ticket required during the exhibition (ticket includes access to the permanent exhibition on the second floor)

What to see

The group show brings together selections made by the Technical Jury from 610 entrants in the 2026 edition: a varied panorama of contemporary painting, with works by artists of different generations, techniques and approaches.

Jury and awards

The Technical Jury, chaired by art historian Gianfranco Maraniello, selected the sixty finalists. Winners of the purchase awards will be announced during the awards ceremony at Teatro Toniolo in Mestre on the evening of Friday 22 May 2026.

• The first Purchase Award will enter the permanent collection of Ca' Pesaro – International Gallery of Modern Art.
• The second Purchase Award will be acquired for the Municipality of Venice.
• The third Purchase Award will be donated to the Duomo parish of Mestre and exhibited in the Laurentianum hall.
• Other recognitions include artist residencies and special prizes from local associations, plus the Popular Jury Award.
• Career Award 2026: Luciano Zarotti; Memorial Recognition: Laura Padoa.

Related events

The programme includes a schedule of talks held in the conference hall of the Centro Culturale Candiani (starting at 18:00):

• 21 April 2026 – Luciano Zarotti, Career Award 2026
• 5 May 2026 – "Characters of the Premio Mestre", Paolo Rizzi
• 12 May 2026 – "Laura Padoa", Memorial Recognition 2026
• 27 May 2026 – "The winners of the Premio Mestre di Pittura 2026"

Why visit

The exhibition offers a clear overview of contemporary painting trends and the chance to discover both emerging and established artists. Located in MUVEC's new exhibition spaces, the show strengthens Mestre’s cultural offering and connects visitors to the museum’s permanent collection.

For ticketing details, guided visits or updates on side events, check the museum's official channels before planning your visit.