Venice art weekend: exhibitions to see (9-10 May 2026)

Venice: art to see over the weekend (9-10 May 2026)

On the weekend of 9–10 May 2026, Venice hosts a dense programme of exhibitions: institutional openings, major retrospectives and collateral projects offer varied routes for art lovers. Below is a concise guide to plan your visit.

Main exhibitions in Venice

• 61st International Art Exhibition – Venice Biennale (opening 9 May 2026) — the central event of the city; on view until 22 November 2026.
• Georg Baselitz. Heroes of Gold (Fondazione Giorgio Cini) — on display from 6 May to 27 September 2026; focuses on recent series using gilded grounds.
• David Salle, Painting in the Present Tense (Galleria di Palazzo Cini) — from 6 May to 27 September 2026; a project where AI reinterprets painting archives.
• Alighiero Boetti (SMAC Venice, Procuratie) — from 7 May to 22 November 2026; a path dedicated to systems, maps and textile works.
• Marina Abramović. Transforming Energy (Gallerie dell'Accademia) — visible from 6 May to 18 October 2026; installations that engage the visitor's body.
• Jan Fabre. The Quiet Source (Scuola Grande di San Rocco) — from 9 May to 22 November 2026; new sculptures in dialogue with Tintoretto's work.

Other openings to note

Besides Venice, the weekend includes collateral initiatives in cities such as Milan and Rome, as well as exhibitions in smaller towns offering personal or thematic projects. If time allows, consider exploring venues beyond the central islands.

Practical tips for the weekend

• Plan by area: if you have one day, concentrate on a single neighborhood (e.g. Dorsoduro or San Marco/Procuratie) to minimize transfers.
• Two-day visit: dedicate one day to major museums and the other to collateral projects and private galleries.
• Tickets and opening times: always check official sites for special openings, vernissages or restricted hours; many venues extend hours during the Biennale.
• Logistics: schedule vaporetto travel time and allow for queues; book tickets whenever possible.

For precise schedules, guided tours and admission fees consult the official websites of each exhibiting institution before travelling.