Category: Chianciano Biennale 2026

Over 300 International Artists to Transform Chianciano Terme into a Major Contemporary Art Destination

Chianciano Terme, Tuscany — The Chianciano Biennale 2026 will mark the largest and most ambitious edition in the history of the exhibition, bringing together more than 300 artists from around the world across the galleries of the historic Centro Storico and the extensive spaces of the Chianciano Art Museum.

Taking place from 15–29 August 2026, the Biennale will expand throughout the town of Chianciano Terme, transforming the celebrated Tuscan destination into a large-scale international centre for contemporary art, cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.

For the first time, the Biennale will adopt a fully expanded multi-site format, combining the atmosphere and architectural character of the medieval old town with the over 3,000 square metres of exhibition space within the Chianciano Art Museum.

The medieval streets, galleries and historic spaces of the Centro Storico will become an immersive cultural pathway connecting exhibitions, installations, meetings with artists and special events throughout the town, creating a unique dialogue between contemporary artistic practice and the cultural heritage of Tuscany.

Artists from over 60 nations are expected to participate, presenting works across painting, sculpture, photography, installation, mixed media and experimental contemporary practices. Thousands of visitors, collectors, curators, critics and art professionals are anticipated to attend the 2026 edition.

The opening celebrations will unfold over two days:
• The first official opening event will take place throughout the Centro Storico, with galleries and cultural spaces opening simultaneously for a town-wide celebration of contemporary art.
• The second opening event will follow the next day at the Chianciano Art Museum, presenting the museum’s international exhibition programme and large-scale installations.

The expanded format reflects the Biennale’s continuing international growth and its commitment to making contemporary art more accessible, experiential and integrated within the urban and cultural life of the town itself.

Set in the heart of Tuscany — the cradle of the Renaissance — the Chianciano Biennale creates a meeting point between historical heritage and contemporary global creativity, while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the region through international tourism and artistic exchange.

“This expansion represents an important moment not only for the Biennale, but for Chianciano itself,” said Peter Gagliardi. “By connecting the museum with the historic centre, we hope to create a living cultural experience that involves the entire town and welcomes artists and visitors from all over the world.”

Alongside the exhibitions, the Biennale will feature a wider cultural programme including talks, artist encounters, performances and special events designed to encourage dialogue between artists, visitors and the international art community.

The international call for artists remains open until 31 May 2026. Selected artists for the 2026 edition of the Chianciano Biennale will be officially announced in June 2026 following the completion of the curatorial and selection process.

The Chianciano Art Museum is pleased to announce a new media initiative connected to the forthcoming 2026 edition, offering selected artists the opportunity to be featured within special cultural pages published in the Tuscany edition of la Repubblica, one of Italy’s most respected and influential newspapers.

The Tuscany edition of la Repubblica, with particular circulation throughout Florence and the wider region, reaches a readership deeply connected to the artistic and cultural life of central Italy. For many years, the newspaper has represented an important point of reference within the Italian cultural landscape and is read daily by collectors, curators, museum directors, art professionals, gallerists, critics, foundations, and dedicated followers of the arts.

As part of this initiative, the Chianciano Art Museum will curate specially designed cultural pages dedicated to artists participating in the Biennale. These professionally presented features will showcase artists and their works within the prestigious environment of one of Italy’s leading publications, offering an important opportunity for visibility within the contemporary art world.

Florence continues to stand among the great international capitals of art and collecting, home to world-renowned museums, private collections, foundations, and major galleries. Being featured within the Tuscan cultural pages of la Repubblica therefore represents a significant opportunity for artists to reach a highly qualified and culturally engaged audience deeply connected to the region’s artistic landscape.

This initiative forms part of the broader mission of the Chianciano Art Museum and the Chianciano Biennale 2026 to create meaningful international promotional opportunities for contemporary artists while encouraging dialogue between emerging and established artistic voices.

The forthcoming edition of the Biennale will once again bring together artists from around the world within the extraordinary cultural setting of Tuscany, combining museum exhibitions, international connections, and important visibility opportunities linked to the Italian and European art scene.

Submission Deadline: 31 May 2026

The Chianciano Art Biennale has opened its call for artists for the 9th edition, set to take place in 2026 in the heart of Tuscany’s medieval town. Organised by the renowned Gagliardi Gallery in London, the Biennale has established itself as a beacon of artistic excellence, showcasing talent from across the globe for over a decade.

Artists from every nation are invited to submit their work and join a celebration of contemporary art that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. More than 150 artists will be selected to exhibit across thirteen historic galleries, including the Museo d’Arte di Chianciano, creating a unique dialogue between modern creativity and centuries-old architecture.

Winners of the Chianciano Biennale will receive prestigious awards, cash prizes, and automatic approval to participate in the London Art Biennale 2027, further cementing the event’s role as a gateway to international recognition.

With over 45 years of curatorial expertise guiding the selection process, the Biennale guarantees an exhibition of the highest quality. It is not just an event but a vibrant community of artists, critics, collectors, and art lovers united in celebrating the power of art.