Published on
September 5, 2025
September 2025 turns Italy into a cultural playground, where cities, towns, and historic landmarks come alive with exhibitions, festivals, and unforgettable events. From the shimmering canals of Venice to the peaceful hilltops of Calabria, the month promises a series of immersive experiences across the country. Here are six must-see cultural events this September.
1. Venice – The Venice Glass Week
The ninth edition of The Venice Glass Week returns from September 13 to 21. Held across Venice, Murano, and Mestre, the festival celebrates the ancient art of glassmaking. Visitors can attend exhibitions, installations, and hands-on workshops showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation behind Venetian glass.
Key highlights include Vero Casanova at the Murano Glass Museum, a creative tribute to Casanova told through 11 intricate glass pieces crafted by Murano masters. The museum also hosts FRATELLI TOSO, an exhibition honoring one of Italy’s most significant glassmakers. On San Giorgio Maggiore island, Marino Barovier curates a show focused on the period 1932–1942, offering rare insights into glass design history.
2. Calabria – Fotografia Calabria Festival
Running from August 1 to October 12, Fotografia Calabria Festival transforms San Lucido into a living gallery. Themed Common Roots: Places, this edition explores the connection between identity and environment. Sixteen open-air and indoor exhibitions invite viewers into a reflective visual journey through public spaces and historical buildings.
Works from global artists such as Marie Tomanova, Mykhaylo Palinchak, Kazuaki Koseki, and Hashem Shakeri will be featured, providing multiple perspectives on memory, transformation, and human geography.
3. Milan – The 24th International Exhibition: Inequalities
At Triennale Milano, the 24th International Exhibition titled Inequalities runs from May 13 to November 9. The exhibition marks the final chapter in a trilogy exploring the modern condition, this time focusing on social, economic, and cultural divides.
Artists, architects, and academics will engage with pressing issues such as gender disparity, access to resources, and global inequities. Through exhibitions, performances, and talks, the event aims to foster new understandings of justice and coexistence.
4. Pordenone – Pordenonelegge 2025
From September 17 to 21, Pordenonelegge takes over the streets of Pordenone and nearby Friuli Venezia Giulia. This renowned literary festival celebrates the freedom of thought through literature and dialogue.
More than 650 writers and speakers will participate in over 350 events spread across 50 venues. Attendees can expect discussions on democracy, technology, philosophy, and Europe’s evolving identity. Featured guests include Shirin Ebadi, Ildefonso Falcones, Clara Sánchez, William Wall, and architect Massimiliano Fuksas. All events are free to the public.
5. Aosta – The Other Picasso
Hosted at the Regional Archaeological Museum in Aosta, The Other Picasso is on view through October 19. The exhibit explores the lesser-known creative sides of Pablo Picasso—his ceramics, poetry, and theater set designs.
Visitors will see rare pieces including the Vollard Suite etchings and ceramic works that show how the artist rediscovered creative joy later in life. A bilingual catalog accompanies the show for a deeper experience.
6. Verona – A Timeless Kiss
Until September 21, the Ristori Theater in Verona presents A Timeless Kiss, a multimedia performance blending Klimt’s art with music and storytelling. The show uses AI and handcrafted visuals to reinterpret The Kiss, Romeo and Juliet, and the music of Beethoven and David Bowie in a single dreamlike journey. It’s a full sensory immersion in art, romance, and technology.
Which Event Are You Planning To Attend?
This piece highlights six cultural events happening across Italy in September 2025. From contemporary debates in Milan to poetic journeys in Verona, each event invites visitors to see, hear, and feel Italy in unforgettable ways.
