Robert Mapplethorpe. The Forms of Desire - the exhibition at Palazzo Reale in Milan

This period will see the retrospective dedicated to Robert Mapplethorpe, a photographer who symbolised American counterculture and was one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century, scheduled to run from 29 January to 17 May 2026 at the Palazzo Reale in Milan. The exhibition brings together his most iconic shots and offers a comprehensive overview of his artistic output.
Born in Queens in 1946, Mapplethorpe is remembered for his elegant and rigorous photography, which explored the subtle boundary between art and eroticism. A pivotal moment in his life was his meeting with Patti Smith, with whom he shared an intense romantic and creative relationship between 1970 and 1973, collaborating in various fields such as music, poetry and photography, culminating in the famous cover of the album Horses. Even more decisive for his career was his relationship with Sam Wagstaff, an art collector who supported his work and promoted his success, starting with his first exhibitions such as Polaroids in 1973.
The retrospective, curated by Denis Curti, is divided into seven sections and includes over 200 photographs, including portraits of celebrities, self-portraits, nudes, flowers, collages and refined prints. Part of a trilogy of exhibitions that began in Venice and will conclude in Rome, the exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of the aesthetics and complexity of Mapplethorpe's work, making it one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events of the year.
 

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