If you’re wondering what to see in Rome in 2026, here are 6 surprises that will revolutionize your cultural experience.

1. Free Museums in Rome: The Residents’ Revolution
One of the most anticipated updates within the Rome Capital Museum System concerns accessibility. Starting from February 2026, admission to civic museums becomes free for all residents of Rome and the Metropolitan City. An initiative by the Rome Capital Museum System designed to transform heritage into a true “community square.”Useful note: Some special experiences remain excluded from free admission, such as the Ara Pacis (exhibitions and “L’Ara com’era”), the new Villa Caffarelli space, and the immersive Planetarium routes.

2. Hokusai in Rome: The Great Wave at Palazzo Bonaparte
From March 24 to July 5, 2026, Palazzo Bonaparte hosts the largest retrospective ever held in Italy on Katsushika Hokusai. In collaboration with the National Museum of Krakow, more than 200 works will be displayed. Exhibition highlight: The legendary Great Wave off Kanagawa and the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.
Why visit: A unique opportunity to understand how Japanese art (Ukiyo-e) influenced European Post-Impressionists.

3. Jack Vettriano and Contemporary Photography in Trastevere
The vibrant heart of Trastevere lights up with a major retrospective dedicated to Jack Vettriano. At Palazzo Velli, from February 12 to July 5, 2026, you can immerse yourself in the cinematic and melancholic atmospheres of the Scottish artist. This exhibition is the highlight of a season that also sees Rome as a leading destination for contemporary photography, with numerous events spread across the city.