The best exhibitions to admire in Bologna

You're in Bologna for the food, I know. And I give you plenty of that, I promise.
But what about some art to digest tortellini?
Here's a list of the best exhibitions to visit in Bologna and Emilia Romagna, always up to date.

Exhibitions in Bologna

Antonio Ligabue

In September 2024, Palazzo Albergati in Bologna will host a major exhibition dedicated to Antonio Ligabue, showcasing 100 of his works.

The exhibition will explore Ligabue's tormented life and distinctive artistic style through landscapes, fairs, everyday scenes, and intense self-portraits.

Visitors will experience the emotional depth of his art, reflecting his deep connection to nature and his ability to communicate with immediacy and genuineness.

Despite being self-taught and marginalized, Ligabue's expressionist works continue to resonate powerfully with viewers.

📅 When From Sept 19th 2024 to June 15th 2025
📍 Where Palazzo Albergati, Via Saragozza, 28, 40123 Bologna BO

palazzoalbergati.com

Jack Vettriano

Born in Scotland to an Italian family, Jack Vettriano started painting at 21 as a self-taught artist while working to support his family.

His noir-inspired paintings, often featuring romantic and sensual scenes, quickly gained popularity after his debut exhibition in 1988.

In 2004, Queen Elizabeth awarded him an OBE for his contributions to visual arts.

Now, Palazzo Pallavicini presents his work in Italy for the first time, showcasing over 70 pieces, including oils, works on paper, and exclusive studio photographs by Francesco Guidicini.

📅 When From Feb 26th 2025 to July 20th 2025
📍 Where Palazzo Pallavicini, Via San Felice 24

palazzopallavicini.com

Ai Weiwei Who am I?

Ai Weiwei comes to Bologna with his first solo exhibition at Palazzo Fava.
A unique chance to dive into the creative world of the Chinese artist, blending tradition and innovation, political activism, and provocative art.

A mix of works that will make you reflect on human rights, truth, and our relationship with technology. Don’t miss it!

📅 When From Sept 21th 2024 to May 4th 2025
📍 Where Palazzo Pallavicini, Via San Felice 24

genusbononiae.it

Facile ironia. L'ironia nell'arte italiana tra XX e XXI secolo

Looking for an art exhibition that makes you think and smile?

From February 6 to September 7, 2025, the MAMbo – Museum of Modern Art of Bologna presents "Facile ironia. L’ironia nell’arte italiana tra XX e XXI secolo", a deep dive into how irony has shaped contemporary Italian art.

Expect works by artists who have turned irony into a sharp creative and critical tool over the past decades.

Because, let’s be honest—sometimes, art understands the absurdity of life better than we do.

📍 Where MAMbo, Bologna
📅 When February 6 – September 7, 2025

Exhibitions in Modena, Ravenna, Ferrara, Reggio Emilia, Parma, Rimini

Esher

In case you need one more reason for a day trip from Bologna to the stunning Ferrara, here it is.

Escher, a Dutch artist born in 1898, is renowned for his ability to captivate audiences with his imaginative and seemingly impossible worlds.

His art, influenced by geometric theorems, mathematical concepts, philosophical ideas, and logical paradoxes, offers a unique and mind-bending experience.

Get lost in his paintings but don't enter the exhibitions already drunk if you want to find the exit.

📅 When From 23/3/2024 to 21/07/2024
📍 Where Palazzo dei Diamanti -Corso Ercole I D'Este, 21 - 41121 - Ferrara

palazzodiamanti.it

Luigi Ghirri - Zone di Passaggio

Put together the most unusual work of my favourite Italian photographer, Luigi Ghirri.
Inside one of the best museums in Emilia Romagna.
In a city that is an underrated gem of our land you have to visit, Reggio Emilia.

Then you'll get this exhibition that shows the behind-the-scenes of this strange park near Rimini that represents all of Italy together.

Info

📅 When From 26/4/2024 to 2/3/2025
📍 Where Palazzo dei Musei, Lazzaro Spallanzani, 1, 42121 Reggio Emilia
Tel. +39 0522 456477

www.musei.re.it