March 8th, International Women's Day

On March 8th, the International Women's Day is celebrated, established by the United Nations to reflect both on the economic, political and social achievements of women and on the discriminations that still exist in the world today.

It’s an extra opportunity to celebrate this special day together with family and friends, immersed in the city of Bologna, a place rich in music, theater, culture and social commitment.

Take advantage of the many proposals the city offers, including events, experiences and free openings, to make the most of this day

Free access to cultural venues

Don’t miss the chance to explore these amazing cultural spots for free.

• Palazzo Pepoli – Via Castiglione
  Access Palazzo Pepoli for free and be welcomed into its inner courtyard, where you’ll find a bar ideal for relaxing. Take the opportunity to buy tickets for the museum’s exhibitions and discover everything the palace has to offer.
• Committenze devote: Life and Art in Female Monasteries – Pinacoteca Nazionale
  On March 8th, entry to the Pinacoteca is free for women.
  At 5:00 PM, don’t miss the event ‘Committenze devote: life and art in female monasteries’, with themed visits organized by the museum’s educational services.
  The museum visit requires prior booking, with free entry for women only.
• Fragorose: Brilliant Musicians, Innovative Composers, Sublime Performers! – Museo della Musica
  Discover Fragorose at the Museum of Music, as part of the series 'La musica che gira intorno'. A tribute to extraordinary women who, with art, vision, and courage, have left an indelible mark.
  Reserve your free ticket online or at the museum's bookshop.

Extraordinary openings of museums and historical palaces

The participating institutions and facilities in the city and metropolitan area of Bologna have decided to remain open on an extraordinary basis to celebrate National Women's Day.

• Civic Museums Sector of Bologna
• University Museum System
• Genus Bononiae: Palazzo Fava. Palazzo delle Esposizioni
• Palazzo Boncompagni, The 'Quadreria' of ASP Città di Bologna, Palazzo Rossi, Poggi Marsili, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna (Casa Saraceni)

->Visit the Bologna Today website for the complete list. 

Exhibitions around Bologna

If you are an art lover, take advantage of the exhibitions in the city.

• Risorgimento al femminile - Museo del Risorgimento
  Join a guided tour with Mirtide Gavelli and Elena Musiani to discover the Italian Risorgimento ‘in the feminine’. The tour explores the often-forgotten contribution of women to nation-building, highlighting figures who were not just ‘wives and mothers’ of heroes, but active protagonists of history.
  Information on the museum website.
• Female portraits - Cardinal Giacomo Lercaro Art Museum
  The Cardinal Giacomo Lercaro Museum offers a free guided tour to discover works of art celebrating the female world.
• All the Women of the Certosa - The Certosa Cemetery
  Join a guided tour with Roberto Martorelli in the Monumental Cemetery, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the epigraphs that not only celebrate women as wives and mothers, but also commemorate their impact on culture, politics and entertainment. These include Brigida, Gualberta, Lina and Tommasina, forgotten protagonists of history. The initiative is organised by the Associazione Amici della Certosa in collaboration with the Museo Civico del Risorgimento.
  Booking required on the La Certosa Cemetery website.
• Lucio Dalla's House' exhibition
  Visit Lucio Dalla's House with an expert guide and immerse yourself in the most fascinating anecdotes and curiosities about the life of the famous Bolognese singer.
  Booking required on the official website.
• Jack Vettriano exhibition - Palazzo Pallavicini
  Do not miss the opportunity to visit the exhibition dedicated to the famous Scottish artist Jack Vettriano. Discover the works of one of the most loved painters by the Italian and international public, and be fascinated by his iconic images full of elegance and mystery.
  Reserves at the Palazzo Pallavicini website.
• For-Teens: But how do you dress? - Bologna Museum of Modern Art
  A free workshop for girls and boys aged 12 to 15 will be held at MAMbo to mark International Women's Day. An unmissable opportunity to express your creativity.
  Free entrance to the museum and compulsory booking of the activity on the museum website.

Experiences to try

A mimosa for everyone

On 7 and 8 March 2025, from 09:30am to 12:30am, do not miss the appointment in Piazza del Popolo in San Giovanni in Persiceto.

Take part in ‘Una mimosa per tutte’ (A mimosa for all), an information stall with the distribution of bunches of mimosas (free offer) and material on Women's Day, organised by UDI - Unione Donne in Italia.

Excursions in nature

On a beautiful sunny day, let nature envelop you exploring the parks and green corners of Bologna and its surroundings.

• A day at the gardens
  Celebrate Women's Day with a walk in the open air crowned by a nice picnic on the lawn: Bologna offers a wide variety of parks and marked trails for you to enjoy. Visit the Giardini Margherita, Bologna's most popular city park.
  -> Here is a list of the best parks in Bologna that you can visit.
• Corn Express
  A convenient and sustainable way to reach the highest peak of the Bolognese Apennines directly from the centre of Bologna.
• Villa Ghigi
  If you want to stay within the walls, you can head to the Villa Ghigi park and enjoy a day outdoors.
  
• Regional Park of Bolognese Gypsums and the Abbadessa Gullies
  Why not spend a day in contact with nature at the WWF River Oasis of Molino Grande? Let's do it in the Parco Regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell'Abbadessa, it is not difficult to spot various species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles!

->Discover all the must-see places in Bologna's green. 

Women at the Theatre

To celebrate this important day, what better occasion than an evening at the theatre?

• Roberto Bolle and Friends - TeatroEuropAuditorium
  Don't miss the dance gala that will see the famous étoile perform together with other big names of international ballet.

Girls'nights and nightlife

Finish your day in the best way by immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere of music and emotions.

• Ensemble Symphony Orchestra - Teatro Celebrazioni in Bologna
  Discovering Morricone with the Ensemble Symphony Orchestra, don't miss the chance to experience an exciting evening at the Teatro Celebrazioni in Bologna.
• Women's Day - Numa Club
  A totally female night at Bologna's Numa Club. From 11.30 pm.
• Me Gusta - Cassero Lgbtqia + Center
  Get involved in the reggaeton, hip-hop and pop night at the Cassero disco.
• The 80s party - Locomotiv Club
  From 11.30 pm, reserved for AICS members.
• Woman Party - Cultural Tank
  Zero Gravity presents Woman Party. From 11.30 p.m. Reserved to AICS members.
• Random - Estragon Club
  Random: a random party awaits you from 11pm. 

-> Discover all the clubs and nightlife in Bologna.

Between gin and street food

Don't miss these unmissable events on the weekend of 8 March in Bologna!

• Gin tasting - Gin Tour Italia
  GIN Tour Italia will be held on 7 and 8 March 2025 at Grand Tour Italia for the very first edition of the Festival dedicated to Gin by Fashion Eventi and Grand Tour Italia.  Information on the official Grand Tour Italia website.
• STREEAT® Food Truck Festival - DumBo
  With free admission, an unforgettable experience awaits you at DumBo: three days of delicious food and pure happiness. Don't miss it! Information on the official STREEAT® Food Truck Festival website.