Spring has come: it's time for festivals and expos! Find out our selection of exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy in April 2024.
With the arrival of milder weather and longer days, the desire to spend a weekend getaway increases; there is no better chance than the arrival of spring to take part in festivals, historical re-enactments, trade fairs and many other events for all tastes.
Our column reporting on the exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy is back again for the month of April: find the one perfect for you!
Exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy in April from north to south
Also for the month of April, cultural events are countless all over the Peninsula.
Indeed, from north to south, the arrival of spring carries with it a number of must-see opportunities for lovers of art, photography, as well as food and wine and historical re-enactments.
Here we outline our selection of exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy in April 2024 to let you fully juggle your spring break or perhaps suggest something original and interesting for a full immersion cultural weekend.
10. Comicon in Naples and Romics in Rome
Among the exhibitions and the events not to be missed in Italy in April, Comicon in Naples and Romics in Rome, the most awaited events for comic book lovers and beyond, are back.
The two fairs, now no longer an exclusive for the nerd universe, include competitions between cosplayers, booths for board games and videogames, film previews, meetings and signings with experts, stands of the most famous publishers in the field, as well as markets of accessories and merchandise from the world of illustration, Western and Japanese animation and many other goodies.
The first will be held April 25-28 at the Mostra d'Oltremare and will feature guests like John Romita Jr., Igort, David Lloyd and singer Giorgio Vanni. The second one, on the other hand, will be held between days 4 and 7 at the Fiera di Roma and all we know so far is that guests will include comic book artist Vanna Vinci, who will be awarded the Romics D'oro.
Further details and programs of both conventions are currently top secret.
Discover the Naples Pass❯9. The photo expo Bar Stories on Camera just outside Milan
Café-going is an important and characteristic component of Italian culture, and until April 7 you can discover how the fascinating world of the bar has evolved over the ages.
This is precisely the concept behind Bar Stories on Camera a truly original photographic exhibition hosted by Galleria Campari in Sesto San Giovanni, just a few steps from Milan. It consists of 90 works signed by such names as Robert Capa, Elliott Erwitt, Martin Parr, and Ferdinando Scianna, partly from the archives of the Magnum Photos agency and partly from the Galleria Campari Historical Archives, an unquestioned leader in the field, whose common aim is to tell more about the bar universe from both sides.
From portraits of ordinary people and international stars sipping coffee and aperitifs to photographs of bartenders and waiters at work, without leaving out an excursus on signboards, instruments, guides for mixologists and focus on decor. If you like expos that have something different to tell, this is certainly one of the exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy in April.
8. The Escher exhibition at Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome
The 1st of april is the last occasion to attend this amazing exhibition on Maurits Cornelis Escher, the visionary Dutch artist who gave life to the
Optical style.
At Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome, you could immerse in the most complete display dedicated to the designer and painter, that reunites about 300 works like photos, paintings, lithographs, prints and many other evidences of this artist's unique style. A style which is able to transport us into an abstract and at times disturbing world of illusory perspectives, serial patterns, black and whites and many elements that unite art, design and mathematics.
7. La spada e l'incudine in Grazzano Visconti, medieval re-enactment with arms tournaments
April is a really rich month for those who love historical reenactments, and the stunning medieval village of Grazzano Visconti in Vigolzone, in the province of Piacenza, is certainly the perfect place to take part. In this enchanted space, where time seems to have stopped a few centuries ago, is held annually La spada e l'incudine (the sword and the anvil), a festival not to be missed if medieval armor and duels excite you. The highlight event is the Torneo de lo Biscione, during which the best historical bow archers will compete with feathered quill arrows in the castle's beautiful park.
You will also enjoy swordsmen fights - strictly armored - relive the ancient crafts of the past before your eyes, from artisans to farriers, and enjoy themed food and wine menus.
6. Le vie del tempo, multi-epoch reunion in Crevalcore (BO)
Another interesting historical reconstruction, Le vie del tempo, is held in Crevalcore, a few steps from Bologna. The uniqueness of this event consists in a multi-epoch representation, which does not focus on a specific historical period, but brings together in the same place many different eras, each with its own location and performances and activities.
From the Roman Empire to the 1940s, the reenactment features numerous historical groups from all over Italy and beyond, who will offer duels, demonstrations of civil and military life, typical dances, concerts but also craft activities contextualized to the relevant century. Don't forget the unmissable markets and food stands with themed menus to spend a day suspended in time.
Discover the medieval Bologna❯5. Franciacorta Historic, vintage cars rally in Chiari (BS)
Once again it's history that takes center stage among the exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy in April in this vintage car rally just a few miles from Brescia, the starting point of the Mille Miglia race. Franciacorta Historic in Chiari, now in its nineteenth year, is one of the biggest meetings for enthusiasts in the field, organized by local radio station Montorfano.
It features Italy's most beautiful vintage cars, which will parade through the streets of towns and countryside and alongside Lake Iseo for a pleasant springtime drive. The purpose of the event, in addition to allowing the vehicles to let themselves be admired, is to raise funds for charity – an additional reason to participate.
Taste the Iseo Lake cuisine ❯4. The Art Nouveau posters by Alphonse Mucha in Florence
The charm and elegance of Art Nouveau comes alive in the exhibition dedicated to the artist Alphonse Mucha, on view at the Museo degli Innocenti in Florence until April 7.
The exhibition focuses on the artist's entire production, from posters to illustrations, but in particular on advertising posters and the seductive women they depicted, archaic testimonies to the rising world of advertisements. Really a valuable opportunity to discover the splendor and beauty of art at the time of the Belle Epoque, of which Mucha represents perhaps the main spokesman and whose collective imagination he helped to delineate.
3. The Avant-garde masters in Pisa
The major exponents of 20th-century art in one exhibition: Le Avanguardie. Masterpieces from the Philadelphia Museum of Art awaits you at Palazzo Blu in Pisa to enchant you with numerous works by such names as Chagall, Dalí, Duchamp, Kandinsky, Miró, Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian, and Klee.
The greatest revolutionaries in painting and sculpture are exceptionally brought together here from the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, in a concept by Matthew Affron, head of the American institution. From the Belle époque to World War II, the highlights of the "short century" are revived in a new light, filtered through the eyes of the most important contemporary artists. Amaze yourself with all the beauties of Pisa❯
2. Italo Calvino's tales in Genoa
The imaginative and extravagant universe of Italo Calvino, for the centenary of his birth, lives again at Palazzo Ducale in Genoa in a very special exhibition.
Calvino Cantafavole presents writings, illustrated panels, paintings, and photographic works that tell the story of the writer's relationship with the world of fairy tales. His fantastic stories by Calvino are linked to works by painters such as Carlo Levi, Francesco Menzio, Enrico Paulucci and many others, but great space is also given to his theatrical and television productions. A due homage, in this sense, is paid to his long-lasting collaboration with animator and set designer Emanuele Luzzati, with several video exhibits of the RAI productions the two worked on.
The last chance to see the exhibition is April 7.
1. The Vinitaly in Verona
Let's close this excursus among the exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy in April with the most famous wine fair, Vinitaly in Verona.
From April 14 to 17, producers, vendors, companies, sommeliers and all those involved in the Italian and international wine industry will meet at the fair complex. The expo is thus an opportunity to cross paths with workers and know-how, attend conferences and training courses, discover new products and weave valuable partnerships. But also, thanks to the spinoff Vinitaly in the City, an opportunity for the wine lovers to delight with the world's best wines and learn more about them during meetings and events scattered around the city's most beautiful locations.
Taste the best wines in Verona ❯Exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy in April: choose yours
Looking for a cue for your spring break? Check out our suggestions of the exhibitions and events not to be missed in Italy in April, and take advantage of the event that most suits your preferences to visit our beautiful cities, at a time when temperatures are now pleasant but the big summer rush of tourists is still far away.
