For a weekend getaway or a culture-focused fall vacation, here you'll find 10 events and exhibitions in Italy coming up (or closing) in October
Fall is approaching: it's time to put aside your bathing suit and sunscreen but certainly not to stop traveling. Yes, because the arrival of this season, with its cosy atmosphere, is a great invitation to explore our beautiful cities and all the cultural opportunities they provide.
So get your luggage and camera ready, because here you will find a useful guide to the events and exhibitions in Italy that you can't absolutely miss in October.
Fall must-see events and exhibitions in Italy
October is a perfect month for exploring Italy's most beautiful cities, when temperatures are definitely nicer and tourist crowds are gone. And while you're looking around to admire the most striking sights of urban settings, you cannot fail to take advantage of the countless cultural highlights in historic buildings and museums.
From north to south, in fact, you will find plenty of special happenings and expos dedicated to the most important artists from our national and international scene, from the field of cinema and audiovisuals, from the places and landscapes of the Bel Paese and the world of engines and cars.
In short, whatever may be your interests, we invite you to come with us to find out what are the 10 events and exhibitions in Italy that will start or end in October that you absolutely must take part in.
10. Leonardo3 - The World of Leonardo Da Vinci, Le Sale del Re in Milan
From October 26 to December 31, you can discover a hidden side of Leonardo da Vinci's fantastic universe through a series of unseen works at the Sale del Re in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza della Scala, Milan. The innovative reach of the revolutionary painter, sculptor and inventor is indeed the focus of the exhibition "Leonardo3 - The World of Leonardo," where a world premiere of a collection of never-before-seen reconstructions of his flying machines and of restorations of his paintings will be presented.
The exhibition features more than 200 interactive works that will allow visitors from all over the world to admire the visionary artist's eversiveness; it is the result of the efforts of the Centro Studi Leonardo3, which has been involved in the study and scientific promotion of the work of the Florentine genius since 2004.
9. Helmut Newton - Legacy, Ara Pacis Museum in Rome
As usual, the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome gives voice to the most interesting and original representatives of contemporary art and on this occasion pays homage to one of the most famous photographers of the 20th century, Helmut Newton.
"Helmut Newton - Legacy" is among the events and exhibitions in Italy that you can't miss this fall, allowing you to closely get to know the poetics of the German artist, an icon in the 20th-century fashion world who delineated the image of brands such as Chanel, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana and distinguished the glossy pages of the most important magazines, from Vogue to Vanity Fair.
Featuring more than 200 of the master photographer's most important works, you will be able to immerse yourself in the fascinating atmospheres of haute couture at its most sensual and captivating form, from October 6, 2023 to February 11, 2024.
Explore the beauties of Rome ❯
8. I Mondi di Gina Lollobrigida, Palazzo Poli - Istituto Centrale per la Grafica in Rome
Gina Lollobrigida was not simply an icon of Italian cinema in the world, but an all-round diva, an actress, a singer, a photographer, a painter, a sculptor; in short, an extraordinary woman who totally dedicated her life to art.
The Istituto Centrale per la Grafica in Rome wishes to pay tribute to the legendary Bersagliera, who passed away last January, with an exhibition of 120 photographs dedicated to her coming from the archives of Luce-Cinecittà, the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia and the Museum of Contemporary Photography. “I Mondi di Gina Lollobrigida” outlines the famous but even the lesser-known sides of the artist and that's why this is a must-see exhibition, which you will have the chance to visit until October 9.
7. Steve McCurry - Children, Museo degli Innocenti, Florence
Another master of photography whose work you can admire, but only until Oct. 8. In fact, among the events and exhibitions in Italy not to be missed this fall we recommend "Steve McCurry - Children" at the Museo degli Innocenti in Florence. Here are presented more than 100 child portraits from various countries around the world caught in moments of everyday life, without filters.
The American photographer, celebrated for the Afghan Girl, once again focuses on the gaze of the children, collecting a review of different ethnic groups and cultures immersed in war, misery and social distress, where, however, the innocence, unawareness and, why not, the genuine joy proper to the subjects shines through and becomes a shots common ground.
6. Picasso and classical antiquity, MANN - National Archaeological Museum of Naples
What links Picasso's genius to sculptures and paintings of antiquity? That's the question that the exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Naples tries to answer.
"Picasso and classical Antiquity" is part of the international program of events for the 50th anniversary of the Spanish artist's death, "Picasso Celebrations 1973 - 2023: 50 Exhibitions and Events to Celebrate Picasso," and aims to explore the relationship between 43 of his works and a series of ancient works, namely sculptures from the Farnese Collection and paintings from Pompeii. Fascinated by such magnificence during a visit to Naples, the painter indeed brought back its unmistakable lines in drawings with an unprecedented style, very different from Cubism, and which deserves to be analyzed for this reason.
Hurry to book your ticket: the exhibition, which was scheduled to end on August 27, has been extended until October 2.
Choose Naples as your next destination ❯5. Porsche Festival, Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Misano Adriatico (RN)
A top event for luxury car lovers, the Porsche Festival awaits you on October 7 and 8 in Misano Adriatico, on the beautiful Romagna coast, at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, home to two- and four-wheel festivals and competitions.
Following its great success in 2022, the festival gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of the legendary automotive brand, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. For the occasion, on Saturday evening, the sixth race weekend of the Porsche Carrera Cup championship can be watched for an authentic thrilling experience.
4. Rome Film Festival, Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone
A landmark for cinephiles from around the globe, this year's Rome Film Festival once again reopens its doors in October, from the 18th to the 29th, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone.
Now in its 18th edition, the kermesse dedicated to great international cinema will host a series of premieres of Italian and international movies, new releases from the audiovisual world, documentaries, unseen works, photography exhibitions, book presentations and master classes given by the major directors, actors and professionals in the field.
This year's lineup is still top secret, but carving out a little spot along the red carpet always means feeling a little bit in Cinecittà and a little bit in Hollywood. And the immortal Anna Magnani starring the official poster looks really promising.
Book your accreditation right now to immerse yourself in the magic of the Big Screen in the heart of the Capital.
3. Lucca Film Festival
Even Lucca, in the heart of Tuscany, will turn into a cinephile's paradise from September 23 to October 1 with the 19th edition of its Film Festival, which in the past has starred such names as William Friedkin, Alfonso Cuaròn, Paolo Sorrentino and many others.
The city's most beautiful venues welcome directors, actors and professionals of the Seventh Art for reviews, special screenings of their filmography, open-door meetings and master classes, but even for the annual competition among unedited works.
Also not to be missed is the traditional closing event, Effetto Cinema, which comes to life on the last night of the festival and features set-ups in squares and alleys according to a main theme, as well as performances by dancers, actors, musicians and street artists, to concretely transport adventurers into the magical world of cinema. The chosen topic for this year is about the director Gabriele Salvatores' cinematography.
The program is progressively being unveiling but we know for sure that Susan Sarandon, Isabelle Huppert, Stefania Sandrelli and Kim Rossi Stuart will be special guests.
2. A Story to the Future. 90 Years of the Italian National Automobile Museum, Turin
Until October 8, you will still have the opportunity to attend events and exhibitions dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Automobile Museum of Turin and to admire several models displayed there.
The exhibition "A Story to the Future," in particular, outlines a detailed chronological journey starting from the foundation of the institution in 1933, with a focus on the protagonists of the most significant milestones up to the present day and, of course, the splendid vintage cars that have characterized them.
In addition, it is possible to admire documentaries, video materials, sketches, documents and original and unpublished photos of the various landmark moments, for an accurate and immersive chronicle.
2. In cammino. The gateway to Turin: sindonic itineraries on the Via Francigena, Palazzo Madama
We complete our tour of must-see events and exhibitions in Italy with a tribute to our territories, which can be visited until October 10 at Palazzo Madama in Turin. As part of the "Via Francigena for All" project, the exhibition "In cammino. The Gateway to Turin: Shrouded Itineraries on the Via Francigena," allows visitors to closely explore the Piedmont area of the famous route that connected Canterbury to southern Italy to reach the Holy Land.
The four themed sections that the exhibition is divided into will feature maps, video and photographic evidence, illustrations and installations that touch on the region's fascinating cultural and scenic, as well as religious, repertoire.
Events and exhibitions in Italy: make your choice
From Milan to Rome, from Florence to Naples passing through Turin, you will be spoiled for choice if you want to enjoy exhibitions and events in Italy in October while exploring the beauty of our cities.
Whether you're a movie or motor enthusiast, a lover of photography or outdoor trails, you will surely find the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge: all you have to do is make a reservation.
