In spring, Bologna’s museums, historic palaces, and galleries play host to a vibrant array of exhibitions. From contemporary photography to urban art, these showcases offer the perfect cultural itinerary for a weekend getaway in the heart of the city.
If you are planning a visit, here is our guide to the must-see shows and some tips on how to experience Bologna through the lens of art and discovery.
A Journey Through Photography: Ruth Orkin and Saul Leiter
Among the season’s highlights are the exhibitions hosted at Palazzo Pallavicini, which offer a profound journey into 20th-century photography.
From March 5 to July 19, 2026, two icons of the medium tell the story of reality through distinct yet equally captivating lenses:
Ruth Orkin: The American photographer and filmmaker famous for the iconic American Girl in Italy. This retrospective spans her career with over 180 photographs, blending a cinematic eye with urban scenes, travel diaries, and glimpses of everyday life.
Saul Leiter: A pioneer of color in artistic photography, Leiter’s work offers intimate, poetic views of post-war New York. Often captured through windows, rain, or reflections, his shots transform the city into a suspended, almost painterly vision.
From Urban Art to Cinema: Other Must-See Exhibits
At Palazzo Fava, Banksy Archive 01 delves into the underground artistic context of Bristol—the hometown of the world’s most famous street artist. The exhibition features materials, artworks, and documents that narrate the evolution of an entire cultural scene.
For cinema lovers, the Galleria Modernissimo hosts “Viva Varda! Cinema is a Woman,” a journey dedicated to Agnès Varda. A central figure in European cinema, she was the first female director to receive an Academy Honorary Award.
A Weekend Itinerary: Art and City Exploration
Spring in Bologna is the perfect time to pair artistic immersion with urban exploration.
Day 1: The Heart of the City
Morning: Start at Palazzo Pallavicini in the historic center to lose yourself in the photography of Orkin and Leiter.
Afternoon: Stroll toward Via Manzoni to visit Palazzo Fava for the Banksy exhibition.
Da qui, non può mancare un passaggio su Piazza Maggiore, le Due Torri e i portici, che durante il soggiorno diventano parte dell’esperienza, quasi come se stessi camminando dentro una fotografia.
Day 2: Art and Hidden Details
Morning: Dedicate your morning to the Galleria Modernissimo, followed by some gourmet shopping in the historic food stalls of the Quadrilatero district.
Afternoon: Leave room for spontaneity. Explore hidden courtyards and lesser-known corners to discover a more intimate and authentic side of Bologna.
Spring is truly the ideal moment to discover Bologna. Between exhibitions, treat yourself to a break in one of the city center’s many cafes or a long walk under the porticos.
For your stay, Relais Bellaria is the perfect choice. Located just minutes from the center and surrounded by greenery, it offers the ideal balance of tranquility and convenience.
Whether you are a fan of photography, contemporary art, or simply curious to explore something new, now is the perfect time to go.
