Best upcoming exhibitions this autumn

• Graphic Japan: The Japanese Graphic Art Exhibition

Where: Museo Civico Archeologico, Bologna

When: November 20, 2025 – April 6, 2026

Graphic Japan is the highly anticipated first major Italian exhibition exploring the evolution of Japanese graphic art, from Edo period ukiyo-e prints to contemporary manga and posters. Curated by Rossella Menegazzo and Eleonora Lanza, the exhibition features over 200 works, including woodblock prints, books, and posters, showcasing how Japanese art has maintained its visual identity while constantly innovating.

The exhibition is structured into four thematic sections (Nature, Figures, Sign, Contemporary Japonism), tracing a chronological and thematic journey that reveals Japanese graphic art's ability to combine innovation with tradition. The pieces are on loan from prestigious Italian and Japanese institutions, such as the Museo d’Arte Orientale “Edoardo Chiossone” in Genoa and the Dai Nippon Foundation.

The exhibition will be complemented by a rich program of cultural events, promoted by the Municipality of Bologna and partners like the University of Bologna and the Cineteca di Bologna, to explore the diverse facets of Japanese culture.

An Early Bird special with discounted tickets for open-date entry is currently available. Find out more on our event page.

• Arte Proibita: The Exhibition on Censorship

Where: Palazzo Albergati, Bologna

When: October 17, 2025 - April 6, 2026

This exhibition features over 50 works by international artists from the Museu de l’Art Prohibit in Barcelona, each with a powerful story related to censorship. The show is a provocative exploration of the political, religious, social, and moral reasons behind the banning or altering of artworks, from Ancient Egypt to the present day.

"Arte Proibita" prompts visitors to reflect on freedom of expression and the role of art as a tool for protest and truth. It's an experience that won't leave anyone indifferent, raising fundamental questions about art's importance in society.

More information here

• Photobook Mania: The Photobook Biennial

Where: Serra Madre, Bologna

When: October 18 and 19, 2025

Photobook Mania is the first biennial dedicated to the photographic book. This free event brings together over twenty international publishers to celebrate independent photography publishing. Publishers like Cesura, Gost Books, RVM HUB, and Witty Books will be featured, offering a wide selection of publications that reflect current trends in photobook creation.

The program includes more than forty meetings with industry professionals, thematic workshops, and two main exhibitions. The first, "Dummies and Books from FOLIO 2024/25 Photobook Making Masterclass," showcases photobook prototypes created during a PhMuseum masterclass, offering insight into the creative process. The second exhibition is dedicated to the PhMuseum 2025 Photobook Award, displaying 25 finalist projects selected from an open call. A jury will choose the winning project during the event, which will then be published by PhMuseum.

Photobook Mania alternates with the PhMuseum Days festival, reinforcing PhMuseum's commitment to promoting contemporary photographic culture.

Find out more on the official website.