A Spring of Exhibitions in Bologna

With the arrival of spring, art in Bologna also flourishes: photographic exhibitions stand alongside successful painting exhibitions in museums, palaces and atmospheric venues.

New openings complete the art scene inherited from Art City and winter. 

Here are the current and upcoming exhibitions for spring 2025:

• Photography Grant on Industry and Work 2025

The exhibition presenting the works of the five finalists selected for the Photography Grant on Industry and Work is back at MAST. The winner of this edition is Sheida Soleimani, who presented the photographic project ‘Flyways’.

-> Open Tue-Sun 10am-7pm

• Jack Vettriano

At Palazzo Pallavicini you will find the new exhibition dedicated to Jack Vettriano, a celebrated Scottish artist of Italian origin. Inspired by the noir genre, he is known for sensual and scenic atmospheres, with romantic themes and seductive female figures. Until 20 July.

-> Open Thu-Sun 10am-8pm

• CHE GUEVARA tú y todos

At the Archaeological Museum a revolutionary exhibition on the life of a 20th century icon: Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, better known as El Che. Hundreds of thoughts, diaries, letters, photographs, videos and audios intimately reveal one of the personalities who most profoundly marked an era. Opening on 27 March.

• Georges Simenon

On the trail of Georges Simenon: an exhibition that will be a long journey in search of the roots of the genius, through his own travels, his papers, and films based on his works. The Cineteca di Bologna welcomes you from 10 April to the Galleria Modernissimo.

• Facile ironia.  Irony in Italian art between the 20th and 21st centuries

From 6 February to 7 September 2025, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Galleria d'Arte Moderna di Bologna, MAMbo presents a large group exhibition curated by Lorenzo Balbi and Caterina Molteni. Set up in the Sala delle Ciminiere, the exhibition brings together over 100 works and archive documents by more than 70 artists, offering a journey through seventy years of Italian art, analysed through the leitmotif of irony. The works, divided into thematic macro-areas, explore different facets of the phenomenon: from paradox to play, from irony as a tool for social and feminist criticism to nonsense and dark humour. 
Supported by the main sponsor Gruppo Hera, the exhibition is part of the programme of ART CITY Bologna 2025, on the occasion of Arte Fiera.

-> Open Tue-Wed 2pm- 7pm; Thu 2pm-8pm; Fri-Sat-Sun 10am-7pm

•  Antonio Ligabue at Palazzo Albergati

Extended until 15 June, the Great Exhibition on Antonio Ligabue continues until the gates of summer at Palazzo Albergati. If you haven't visited it yet, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the visionary art of the Italian artist.

-> Open daily 10am-8pm

• Ai Weiwei. Who am I?

At Palazzo Fava until 4 May 2025 you can still visit the exhibition of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, known for his commitment to the safeguard of human rights. The exhibition is inspired by a dialogue between the artist and an artificial intelligence, highlighting Ai Weiwei's conflict between tradition and experimentation.
-> Open Tue-Sun 10am-7pm

• Prospettive d'Oriente - The Norman Jones Donation at the Museo Civico Medievale in Bologna

Until 5 May 2025, the Museo Civico Medievale of Bologna will be hosting an exhibition dedicated to the Oriental art collection of Norman Jones (1903-1985), donated to the Municipality of Bologna in 2023 by his daughter Ruth. The exhibition comprises 47 works, including Indo-Islamic miniatures, Hindu-inspired sculptures, netsuke, Japanese woodcuts and Chinese objects from the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), such as embroidered textiles, fans and watercolours. During the opening period, a rich programme of guided tours, workshops and lectures on Asian art will be offered, organised by the Centro Studi d'Arte Estremo-Orientale di Bologna in collaboration with Luca Villa.

-> Open Tue-Thu 10am-2pm, Wed-Fri 2pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm

• Museum of Illusion

At Palazzo Belloni, until 31 May, get ready to test your senses with optical illusions and visual games sure to challenge your perception. A fun and intriguing experience for the whole family.

-> Open Sun-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm

©silviastrocchi63 via IG @illusionibologna