A Spring of Exhibitions in Bologna

In Bologna, the cultural scene is always buzzing and, with the arrival of spring 2026, art is blossoming once again. From fine-art photography to street art, through the great masters of the twentieth century and the new frontiers of the contemporary scene, the program is incredibly rich and suited to every taste.

Frida Kahlo. The Gaze as Identity

From March 28 to September 27, 2026, Palazzo Pepoli hosts the exhibition on Frida Kahlo. Featuring 70 original photographs taken by leading photographers, the exhibition invites the public to reflect on the origins of the artist’s myth and the ways she used to become an icon of identity, the body, pain, and self-representation.

• Address: Palazzo Pepoli, Via Castiglione 10, Bologna
• Opening hours: Sunday - Monday: 10 am - 7 pm, closed on Tuesday

Michelangelo Pistoletto – Palazzo Boncompagni

You have until June 3, 2026 to admire "From Cittadellarte to Statodellarte". The master of Arte Povera exhibits his celebrated Mirror Paintings and historic installations, which engage in dialogue with the Renaissance architecture of the palace. A rare opportunity to reflect on the social responsibility of art.

• Address: Via del Monte, 8
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Booking required.

Ruth Orkin. The illusion of time – Palazzo Pallavicini

One of the most anticipated exhibitions of the season, open until July 19, 2026. Beyond the world-famous shot American Girl in Italy, the retrospective explores Orkin’s talent for blending photography and cinematic language, capturing urban life with unique irony and sensitivity.

• Address: Via San Felice, 24
• Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (last admission 7:00 pm)

Identity, the Plural Self (do ut do) – Palazzo Pepoli

Closing on April 6, 2026, this group exhibition promoted by do ut do explores the complexity of the concept of identity in today’s liquid society. Through works by internationally renowned artists and designers, the exhibition winds through the permanent museum route, creating a striking contrast between the history of Bologna and contemporary visions.

• Address: Via Castiglione, 10
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.

John Giorno: the performative word – MAMbo

Until May 3, 2026, MAMbo hosts the first major Italian retrospective dedicated to John Giorno. An icon of Pop Art and a pioneer of performance poetry, Giorno revolutionized the written word. On display are his Poem Paintings, sound installations and videos celebrating his life between activism and counterculture.

• Address: Via Don Minzoni, 14
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 2:00 pm-7:00 pm; Thursday 2:00 pm-8:00 pm; Friday-Sunday 10:00 am-7:00 pm.