In Bologna, between November 2025 and early 2026, two unmissable exhibitions are set to open for art and culture lovers: “Michelangelo and Bologna” and “Graphic Japan.” Though very different from one another, they are united by a desire to convey the power of the mark or line, bridging the Italian Renaissance and Oriental art.
This is a perfect opportunity for those staying at the Relais Bellaria Hotel & Congressi, just minutes from the center of Bologna, to experience a weekend of art, comfort, and inspiration.
Michelangelo and Bologna: Why Visit This Exhibition
From November 14, 2025, to February 15, 2026, the historic halls of Palazzo Fava will host a tribute to the genius of Michelangelo Buonarroti, marking the 550th anniversary of his birth.
The “Michelangelo and Bologna” exhibition explores a lesser-known side of the artist: his connection with the city and the role his stays in Bologna played in his early development.
What You Will See
A rich and immersive journey through original works, historical casts, drawings, books, and archival documents, which dialogue with the works of other great Renaissance masters such as Ercole de’ Roberti, Francesco Francia, Lorenzo Costa, and Amico Aspertini.
As stated by Bologna Welcome, the goal is to offer visitors a new and engaging interpretation of the relationship between Michelangelo and Bologna, highlighting the influence the city exerted on his artistic language and his way of interpreting form and movement.
What to See at the Graphic Japan Exhibition in Bologna
From November 20, 2025, to April 6, 2026, the Museo Civico Archeologico of Bologna hosts the major exhibition “Graphic Japan,” a visual journey through four centuries of Japanese creativity, from the Edo period up to contemporary Japan.
What Works Will Be on Display
Curated by Rossella Menegazzo and Eleonora Lanza, the exhibition explores the dialogue between mark, design, and visual culture, with over 200 works from prestigious Italian and Japanese collections, including the “Edoardo Chiossone” Museum of Oriental Art in Genoa and the Dai Nippon Foundation.
The exhibition itinerary is divided into four thematic sections – Nature, Figures, Mark/Sign, and Contemporary Japonism – which demonstrate the evolution of Japanese graphic arts and their influence on disciplines such as design, fashion, cinema, and calligraphy.
From the ukiyoe prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige to modern posters and manga, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at how Japan has successfully merged aesthetics and visual communication into a universal language.
Those who wish to fully immerse themselves in these artistic experiences with ease and comfort can choose the Relais Bellaria, just minutes from the historic center and the exhibition venues. Book your next stay in Bologna and prepare to experience up close the major exhibitions celebrating the genius of Michelangelo and the visual poetry of Japan.
Attend the exhibitions and book your autumn stay at the Relais Bellaria directly, click here!
