L'Aquila's 2026 Capital of Culture: Strategy, Challenges, and Early Results
In mid-January 2026, L'Aquila, designated as the Italian Capital of Culture for that year, unveiled its initiative under the theme 'Un territorio, mille capitali', which encompasses more than 300 events spread across 300 days. This effort is geared towards establishing the city as a hub for cultural tourism. Mayor Pierluigi Biondi highlighted a strategic journey that began in 2019, culminating in the 'Carta dell'Aquila' and a successful proposal. The program involves 60 municipalities, emphasizing sustainable cultural ventures. Notable initiatives like 'Palazzi Aperti' drew 15% of visitors from outside the area. Tourism Councillor Ersilia Lancia reported a 66% rise in tourist arrivals from 2018 to 2024. Additionally, the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo reopened in December 2025, welcoming over 8,000 guests. Since 2017, the city has invested nearly €50 million in cultural initiatives.
Key facts
- L'Aquila is Italian Capital of Culture for 2026, starting mid-January 2026.
- Program includes over 300 events in 300 days under motto 'Un territorio, mille capitali'.
- Mayor Pierluigi Biondi led strategic planning since 2019, resulting in 'Carta dell'Aquila'.
- Involves about 60 municipalities across three provinces.
- 'Palazzi Aperti' opens historic buildings monthly; first event drew 15% out-of-town visitors.
- Tourism arrivals up 66% and presences up 104% from 2018 to 2024.
- International visitors increased 34% regionally.
- MuNDA reopened part of Forte Spagnolo in December 2025; over 8,000 visitors in 40 days.
- MAXXI L'Aquila show 'Andrea Pazienza. La matematica del segno' had 4,000+ visitors in first month.
- Upcoming MAXXI exhibitions include Ai Weiwei, Marinella Senatore, Maurizio Cattelan, Fabio Mauri.
- City invested nearly €50 million in culture since 2017.
- Challenges: limited hotel beds; new hotels and B&Bs opening.
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Pazienza
- Ai Weiwei
- Marinella Senatore
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Fabio Mauri
- Marta Papini
- Liu Bolin
- Nicola Piovani
- Davide Rondoni
- Roberto Molinelli
- Simona Molinari
Institutions
- Comune dell'Aquila
- Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane (ADSI)
- Associazione Angelo de Nardis di Prata
- Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo (MuNDA)
- MAXXI L'Aquila
- Fondazione MAXXI
- Istituto Micarelli
- Pietranatonj di Vittorito
- Artribune
- Ministero della Cultura
- Regione Abruzzo
- Palazzo Ardinghelli
- Munda
- Castello Cinquecentesco
- Teatro Comunale (L'Aquila)
- Teatro San Filippo
- Palazzo Spaventa
- Società Aquilana dei Concerti Bonaventura Barattelli
- Istituzione Sinfonica Abruzzese
- Accademia di Belle Arti dell'Aquila
- Osservatorio Culturale Urbano
- Comune di Rieti
- Museo Nazionale dei Sabini
Locations
- L'Aquila
- Italy
- Abruzzo
- Forte Spagnolo
- Palazzo Ardinghelli
- Palazzo Alfieri
- Sala Baiocco
- Albergo Italia
- Vittorito
- Amiternum
- Roma
- Rome
- Central Apennines
- Rieti
- Castello Cinquecentesco