Until 29 March 2027, Palazzo Albergati in Bologna will host an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to some of the greatest figures in modern art: “From Gaudí to Picasso. Masterpieces from the Carmen Thyssen Collection.”

An unmissable event for art lovers, but also for anyone looking to discover a different side of the city and enrich their stay in Bologna with a fascinating cultural experience.

Featuring over 100 works, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through Barcelona from the late 19th century to the early decades of the 20th century, when the Catalan city became one of Europe’s most vibrant and innovative artistic centres.

From Gaudí to Picasso: A Journey Through the Great Masters of Modern Art

The exhibition “From Gaudí to Picasso” brings together some of the most influential figures in 20th-century art, offering visitors the opportunity to admire works from a period marked by profound cultural change.

Among the leading artists featured in the exhibition are Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, alongside other remarkable names such as Santiago Rusiñol, Joaquim Mir, Isidre Nonell, Josep de Togores, Joaquim Torres-García and Julio González.

The exhibition explores a variety of artistic movements and styles, from Modernisme and Symbolism to Cubism and Surrealism, revealing how new ideas and bold experimentation fundamentally transformed the world of art.

Particular attention is given to Antoni Gaudí, as 2026 marks the centenary of his death. It is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the legacy of one of the most original and instantly recognisable architects in history.

The Carmen Thyssen Collection Comes to Bologna for the First Time

One of the most fascinating aspects of the exhibition is the origin of the artworks themselves.

The prestigious Carmen Thyssen Collection is making its world debut in Bologna, giving visitors the chance to discover a selection of masterpieces that will become part of the permanent collection of the future Museu Carmen Thyssen Barcelona.

Curated by art historian Jordi Falgàs, the exhibition goes beyond showcasing individual artists, recreating the cultural atmosphere of Barcelona in the early 20th century.

At the time, the city was alive with literary cafés, gatherings of intellectuals, emerging artistic movements and a constant exchange of ideas with other major European capitals, particularly Paris.

It was in this stimulating environment that many of the ideas destined to revolutionise modern art first took shape.

Practical Information for Visiting the Exhibition at Palazzo Albergati

“From Gaudí to Picasso. Masterpieces from the Carmen Thyssen Collection” runs until 29 March 2027, taking place in the elegant galleries of Palazzo Albergati, one of Bologna’s most beautiful historic buildings.

Palazzo Albergati is located at Via Saragozza 28, making it an easy addition to a day spent exploring the city.

The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, with the ticket office closing one hour earlier. Opening hours may vary on certain public holidays.

Full-price admission is €16, with reduced tickets available for various categories of visitors.

For the latest information, details of available concessions and ticket purchases, please visit the official Palazzo Albergati website.

The Perfect Opportunity for a Cultural Getaway in Bologna

The “From Gaudí to Picasso” exhibition is also a wonderful reason to plan a weekend in Bologna, spending a day exploring the city’s artistic heritage, beautiful squares and charming corners of its historic centre.

We recommend starting your day at Palazzo Albergati, on Via Saragozza, before enjoying a leisurely stroll beneath Bologna’s famous porticoes.

Just a short walk from the palace stands the impressive Collegio di Spagna, one of the city’s most fascinating historic buildings. From here, follow the narrow streets of the old town towards Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of Bologna, where you can admire the magnificent Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo d’Accursio and the nearby Fountain of Neptune.

Another stop well worth making is the Archiginnasio, the former seat of the University of Bologna. Inside, you will find the famous Anatomical Theatre, an extraordinary room entirely panelled in wood and filled with remarkable architectural details.

Continue your walk towards the Two Towers, one of Bologna’s most iconic landmarks, then head along Via Santo Stefano to the beautiful Piazza Santo Stefano. This is one of the city’s most atmospheric spots, home to the remarkable Seven Churches complex and surrounded by elegant historic buildings.

And if you’re visiting Bologna during the Christmas season, make sure to leave some time for shopping! Via dell’Indipendenza, Via Rizzoli and Galleria Cavour are perfect for browsing shops and boutiques, while the small independent stores tucked away in the historic centre offer plenty of original Christmas gift ideas. The traditional Fiera di Santa Lucia Christmas market is also well worth a visit. Held beneath the portico of the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi on Strada Maggiore, it’s a lovely place to discover Christmas decorations, nativity figurines and charming handmade gifts.

After a day filled with art, culture and sightseeing, Relais Bellaria welcomes you back for some well-deserved relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. And to round off your day in style, treat yourself to the flavours and culinary creations of Ristorante Corbezzoli, where tradition and creativity come together to offer a truly memorable dining experience.

The “From Gaudí to Picasso” exhibition is therefore much more than an art event: it’s the perfect starting point for discovering Bologna at your own pace, taking in its artistic treasures, local traditions and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes the city such a special destination at any time of year.