Cultura

Arte Fiera and ART CITY Bologna

Bologna

Arte Fiera and ART CITY Bologna: date, tradizione e consigli per partecipare.

History

Arte Fiera is Italy's longest-running modern and contemporary art fair, held every year in the BolognaFiere pavilions. Alongside it runs ART CITY Bologna, a city-wide programme of exhibitions, performances and events in museums, galleries and unusual spaces, promoted by the Municipality of Bologna.

Upcoming dates

Early February (every year)

Arte Fiera

📍 BolognaFiere, pavilions 25-26

International modern and contemporary art fair, with Italian and international galleries.

Saturday in early February

ART CITY White Night

📍 Across the city

A night of extraordinary evening openings at museums, galleries, shops and venues during Arte Fiera.

Dates may change: always check official channels before planning your visit.

What to see

The event traditionally takes place in early February, for about 3 days (with a reserved preview day). The highlight of the city programme is the ART CITY White Night, a Saturday night of extraordinary evening openings at galleries, museums, shops and venues across the city.

Did you know…

  • Arte Fiera began in the 1970s and reached its 50th edition in 2027, among Italy's longest-running art fairs.
  • The ART CITY Bologna programme often includes tributes to Giorgio Morandi, the great 20th-century Bolognese painter.

Practical information

HoursArte Fiera: generally 3 days in early February, with a preview the day before. ART CITY Bologna: city-wide events during the same period, often extending 1-2 weeks. Check the current calendar at artefiera.it and bolognawelcome.com.
TicketArte Fiera: paid entry (tickets on artefiera.it). Many ART CITY Bologna events, including the White Night, are free.

Tips for your visit

  • Exact dates shift slightly each year: check the updated calendar at artefiera.it before planning your visit.
  • If you're only interested in the city atmosphere and not the paid fair, focus on the free ART CITY Bologna events, including the White Night.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, entry to the fair itself is paid, but many collateral events of the ART CITY Bologna programme in the city are free.