8 Must-See Contemporary Art Exhibitions in Italy, May 2026
May 2026 marks a vibrant period for modern art in Italy, prominently featuring the 61st Venice Biennale, themed "In Minor Keys," curated by Koyo Kouoh, who sadly passed away on May 10, 2025. This event runs from May 9 to November 22. Meanwhile, Reggio Emilia is home to the 21st Fotografia Europea, showcasing "Fantasmi del Quotidiano" until June 14, curated by Walter Guadagnini and featuring Elena Bellantoni. In Parma, Brian Eno's "Seed" is on display at Complesso Monumentale di San Paolo until August 2, alongside "My Light Years" at Ospedale Vecchio. A documentary on the 1969 Colorno psychiatric hospital occupation is presented at APE Museo until May 10. The biennial Water Light Festival in Bressanone continues until May 16. Additionally, World Press Photo at Palazzo Esposizioni Roma runs until June 29, featuring Carol Guzy's "Separated by ICE." Florence hosts SUPERFLEX's installation until August 2 and "Rothko a Firenze" until August 23. Dayanita Singh's "ARCHIVIO" opens at Archivio di Stato in Venice until July 31.
Key facts
- 61st Venice Biennale 'In Minor Keys' curated by Koyo Kouoh runs May 9–Nov 22, 2026
- Koyo Kouoh died on May 10, 2025
- Fotografia Europea 21st edition theme 'Fantasmi del Quotidiano' until June 14 in Reggio Emilia
- Elena Bellantoni solo show at Chiesa dei SS. Carlo e Agata, Reggio Emilia
- Walter Guadagnini curates '200×200: Two Centuries of Photography and Society' at Palazzo Scaruffi
- Brian Eno's 'Seed' audio installation at Complesso Monumentale di San Paolo, Parma until Aug 2
- Brian Eno's 'My Light Years' at Ospedale Vecchio, Parma until Aug 2
- Documentary exhibition on 1969 occupation of Colorno psychiatric hospital at APE Museo, Parma until May 10
- Water Light Festival in Bressanone becomes biennial, runs until May 16, part of Imagine Peace
- World Press Photo at Palazzo Esposizioni Roma until June 29 includes Carol Guzy's 'Separated by ICE'
- SUPERFLEX installation 'There Are Other Fish In The Sea' at Palazzo Strozzi, Florence until Aug 2
- Rothko a Firenze at Palazzo Strozzi until Aug 23
- Dayanita Singh 'ARCHIVIO' at Archivio di Stato, Venice until July 31, first public opening of the archive
Entities
Artists
- Elena Bellantoni
- Walter Guadagnini
- Brian Eno
- Mario Tommasini
- Carol Guzy
- SUPERFLEX
- Dayanita Singh
- Koyo Kouoh
- Mark Rothko
Institutions
- Biennale di Venezia
- Fotografia Europea
- Chiostri di San Pietro
- Palazzo da Mosto
- Chiesa dei SS. Carlo e Agata
- Palazzo Scaruffi
- Complesso Monumentale di San Paolo
- Ospedale Vecchio
- Casa del Suono
- APE Museo
- Fondazione Mario Tommasini
- Water Light Festival
- Imagine Peace
- World Press Photo
- Palazzo Esposizioni Roma
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Archivio di Stato di Venezia
- Travel On Art
Locations
- Venezia
- Italy
- Reggio Emilia
- Parma
- Colorno
- Bressanone
- Roma
- Firenze