Venice takes centre stage for the art weekend: exhibitions to see on

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

On the weekend of 9-10 May 2026 Venice presents a dense programme of exhibitions: institutional openings and collateral projects make the city a must-visit for art lovers. Below is a compact guide to plan your visits efficiently.

Main exhibitions in Venice

• 61st International Art Exhibition – Venice Biennale (opening 9 May 2026) — the focal 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; highlights recent cycles using gilded backgrounds.
• David Salle, Painting in the Present Tense (Galleria di Palazzo Cini) — from 6 May to 27 September 2026; a project where AI reworks painting archives.
• Alighiero Boetti (SMAC Venice, Procuratie) — from 7 May to 22 November 2026; an exhibition focused on systems, maps and textile works.
• Marina Abramović. Transforming Energy (Gallerie dell'Accademia) — on view from 6 May to 18 October 2026; installations engaging 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.

Other openings across Italy

Beyond Venice, the weekend features collateral projects and shows in other cities: Milan hosts off-site initiatives (including spaces in Via Tortona), Pordenone schedules thematic events, Rome displays documentary exhibitions and independent projects, while smaller towns like Subiaco and Moresco present focused solo shows.

Practical tips for the weekend

• Plan by area: with one day available, concentrate on a compact neighbourhood (e.g. Dorsoduro or San Marco/Procuratie) to save travel time.
• Two days: allocate one day to major institutional museums and the other to collateral projects for deeper exploration.
• Tickets and opening hours: always check official websites for special openings, vernissages or limited time slots; many venues extend hours during the Biennale.
• Logistics: arrange vaporetto transfers and allow time for queues; book in advance when possible.

For specific opening times, guided tours and ticket prices, consult the official pages of each exhibiting institution before travelling.