If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany in 2026 and want to go beyond the region’s Renaissance masterpieces, you’re in luck. From major international retrospectives in Florence to contemporary installations in smaller towns like Arezzo and Prato, this year’s exhibition calendar offers plenty of reasons to slow down and explore.
Below is a curated guide to the best exhibitions across Tuscany from April through the end of 2026, organized by city and season to help you easily plan your itinerary.
Florence: The Must-See Exhibitions of 2026
Mark Rothko in Florence (Palazzo Strozzi & city-wide venues)
March 14 – Summer 2026
One of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year, this major retrospective dedicated to Mark Rothko brings together works spanning his entire career. What makes it especially unique is its format: the exhibition extends beyond Palazzo Strozzi into historic Florentine spaces, creating a dialogue between Rothko’s abstract works and Renaissance art.
→ If you're planning your visit, don’t miss our guide to what's on in Florence in 2026. for more ideas on exhibitions, events, and seasonal highlights.
Pisa
Belle Époque: Italian Painters in Paris (Palazzo Blu)
Until April 7, 2026
If you're visiting Tuscany in early spring, this elegant exhibition is worth catching before it closes. It explores the lives and works of Italian artists in Paris during the Impressionist era, offering a glimpse into a vibrant period of artistic exchange.
Prato
Alaïa & Balenciaga: Sculptors of Shape (Museo del Tessuto)
Until May 3, 2026
Fashion meets art in this beautifully curated exhibition comparing two iconic designers: Azzedine Alaïa and Cristóbal Balenciaga. Through silhouettes, fabrics, and structure, the show highlights how both designers approached fashion as a form of sculpture.
-- Pair your visit with a stop at the Centro Pecci for Contemporary Art, which hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Arezzo
Lucy Orta: Community Threads (CasermArcheologica)
February 28 – July 15, 2026
This immersive contemporary exhibition explores themes of community and identity through large-scale textile installations and participatory works. It’s a refreshing contrast to Tuscany’s classical art scene and a great reason to include Arezzo in your itinerary.
Lucca & Surroundings
Luigi Norfini: The King’s Painter (Palazzo Mansi & Villa Guinigi)
Ongoing through 2026
A lesser-known but fascinating exhibition dedicated to Luigi Norfini, a 19th-century painter connected to the Italian Risorgimento. Spread across two museums, it offers a deeper look into a period often overshadowed by earlier artistic movements.
Murabilia – Gardening Exhibition (Lucca)
September 2026 (annual event)
Held along Lucca’s historic walls, Murabilia is a unique open-air exhibition dedicated to gardening, plants, and botanical design. It’s a must for nature lovers and anyone looking for a different kind of cultural experience in Tuscany.
Livorno
While Livorno doesn’t host as many large-scale temporary exhibitions, it remains an important cultural stop thanks to its strong artistic heritage.
The Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori regularly presents exhibitions connected to the Macchiaioli movement and local artists, making it a worthwhile visit if you’re exploring the Tuscan coast.
Siena
Siena’s exhibition calendar tends to be more fluid, with shows announced closer to the season. Key venues like Santa Maria della Scala and Palazzo Pubblico regularly host temporary exhibitions, often tied to major cultural events.
-- If Siena is on your itinerary, it’s always worth checking current exhibitions just before your visit—you’ll often find unexpected gems.
Grosseto & the Maremma
In southern Tuscany, exhibitions are often tied to archaeology and landscape rather than large contemporary shows.
The Museo Archeologico e d’Arte della Maremma in Grosseto hosts occasional temporary exhibitions, while nearby archaeological parks like Roselle and Vetulonia offer a fascinating open-air experience that blends history with nature.
When to Visit for Exhibitions in Tuscany
- Spring (April–May): Ideal for catching exhibitions in Prato, Arezzo, and Pisa before they close
- Summer (June–August): Perfect for major shows like Rothko in Florence
- Autumn (September–October): A great time for cultural events like Murabilia and new exhibition openings
- Winter (November–December): Fewer blockbuster exhibitions, but a quieter, more local cultural scene
Final Thoughts
While Florence continues to dominate Tuscany’s exhibition scene, 2026 is a great year to explore beyond the usual highlights. Cities like Prato and Arezzo offer some of the most interesting contemporary shows, while Lucca and the Maremma provide more niche and unexpected experiences.
If you’re planning your itinerary, consider mixing one or two major exhibitions with smaller local discoveries—you’ll get a richer, more varied experience of Tuscany’s cultural landscape.
If you're also going to be in Florence, make sure to check out the current exhibitons in the city and surroundings. Also check out our blog for news on interesting events.
Don't stop here: check out local events including festivals, sagras and special holidays throughout Tuscany, a selection of those that are easy to find and fun to participate.
- what's happening in Florence
LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2026
