From February 5 to 8, 2026, Bologna hosts the fourteenth edition of ART CITY, the event that transforms the city into a widespread stage for contemporary art on the occasion of Arte Fiera.

The heart of the event is the Special Program, curated by Caterina Molteni, which this year invites Italian and international artists to intervene in evocative and often little-known places. Thanks to the collaboration with the University of Bologna, the itinerary crosses prestigious locations such as the Anatomical Theatre of Archiginnasio and the Sala della Boschereccia, opening up historical spaces to new forms of visual experimentation.

The theme of the edition, "The Body of Language", explores knowledge as a living organism through the works of protagonists such as Mike Kelley and Ana Mendieta. The installations investigate the relationship between knowledge and physicality, questioning traditional academic models to propose new expressive horizons. In addition to the Special Program, the entire urban fabric comes alive with a rich calendar of exhibitions and initiatives proposed by galleries and independent spaces, confirming Bologna as the nerve centre of contemporary culture and international creative vitality.

Here’s the scoop on Art Week in Bologna 2026 — the city’s big week of contemporary art alongside Arte Fiera and Art City:

What it is: A city-wide celebration of contemporary art — with exhibitions, installations, performances, special projects and talks all over Bologna — tied to the Arte Fiera international art fair. It’s one of the highlights of the cultural year in Bologna. Dates: February 5–8, 2026 for the core Art City programme, but many exhibitions connected with Art Week run through February and even into March/April. Main Structure:ART CITY Bologna: The official city programme of exhibitions and events promoted by the Comune di Bologna, often in unusual venues around town. Arte Fiera (Art Fair): Italy’s longest-running modern & contemporary art fair, taking place Feb 6–8, 2026 at BolognaFiere — it’s the anchor event that all these city art happenings orbit. 

ABABO Art Week (Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna)

A specific Art Week programme at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna with exhibitions, talks, OpenShow of student works, conferences and special projects.Dates: February 3–8, 2026.

What You Can Expect During Art Week / Art City Bologna:

A city-wide network of exhibitions in museums, galleries and off-spaces (painting, sculpture, video, installation, photography, performance). Special projects in unexpected spaces and dialogues between international and local artists. Events tied to the Art City theme — in 2026 the curated Special Programme is called “The Body of Language”, exploring how knowledge and physicality intersect in art. Many exhibitions open before 5 Feb and continue far beyond the official Art Week dates, so you can plan visits across multiple days.

The most relaxing way to reach the city of Bologna and by avoiding the roadworks on the motorways, is by train. Trains are frequent, direct and fast from our local stations of Terontola and Camucia. The direct InterCity from Terontola takes just over two hours and ticket starting cost is €26!