Top 5 upcoming exhibitions

Just like every year after the August break, a new season of fresh ventures is dawning on Bologna's cultural scene. New exhibitions and shows are about to open and attract visitors and art lovers.

What are the must-see exhibitions coming up?

Here are the top 5 upcoming exhibitions and some other previews:

• MARTIN PARR at the Archeological Museum

Starting 12 September at the Archaeological Museum, Martin Parr. Short and sweet, a major exhibition dedicated to one of the most successful and recognised British documentary photographers of our time.

From ‘beach lives’ to tourism, the themes of his works are manifold, with over 60 photographs selected by Parr himself for this project, along with hundreds of other shots of his most famous creations.  

Parr's images portray comical or unexpected moments, offering a critical yet humorous insight into day-to-day life. 

• ANTONIO LIGABUE at Palazzo Albergati

A major exhibition dedicated to Antonio Ligabue, one of the most exciting painters of the 20th century, is coming to Palazzo Albergati in Bologna from 19 September 2024.

With over 100 works on display, visitors will discover a master with a tormented life and an unparalleled painting style.

Landscapes, scenes of everyday life, self-portraits and fairgrounds are his primary subjects, including oils, drawings and sculptures.

Through the emotional impact of his works, visitors will get to know the life of a visionary and unfortunate self-taught artist who is still able to appeal to everyone with immediacy and genuineness.

• ANTONIO LIGABUE at Palazzo Pallavicini

From 3 October, the galleries of Palazzo Pallavicini will also be hosting a second exhibition dedicated to Antonio Ligabue. The great expressionist painter is thus the absolute protagonist of the coming months of Bolognese art.

The exhibition will be held in the 8 rooms of Palazzo Pallavicini and will recount the fascinating story of this artist through paintings, sculptures and drawings. 

Art for Antonio Ligabue was always an innate need that enabled him to endure the difficulties and sorrows of life. This is especially evident in the strength of his exhibited paintings, presenting the art of this ever-evolving visionary genius. 

• Ph Museum Days at Dumbo

Lastly, from 12 to 15 September, we also highlight the Ph Museum Days Festival, now in its fourth edition. The photographic exhibition now at home in the Dumbo spaces, this year is entitled CLOSER, an era, the one in which we live, in which it is not possible to imagine any objective detachment between us and reality.

• Ai Weiwei. Who am I?

At Palazzo Fava, from 21 September to 4 May, a new exhibition by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, known for his sensitivity in the lota in favour of human rights, is coming up. Entitled Ai Weiwei. Who am I?, the exhibition draws inspiration from a dialogue between the artist and an artificial intelligence, highlighting Ai Weiwei's conflict between tradition and experimentation.