L'Aquila Celebrates 2026 Italian Capital of Culture with Music Competition, Open Palaces and International Exhibitions

L'Aquila, named the Italian Capital of Culture for 2026, is hosting a series of high‑profile events. On 25 July the city will stage the third International Double‑Bass Competition “Massimo Giorgi” at the Conservatory’s auditorium, featuring eight young musicians from around the world judged by leading bassists. The following day, 26 July, the “Palazzi Aperti” programme opens historic courtyards and palaces to the public, offering guided tours, a concert by the Euterpe musical association in the Palazzo Piccirilli‑Bucciarelli courtyard, and a lecture on L'Aquila’s Spanish‑era society.

Additional cultural offerings include the contemporary‑art exhibition “Risonanza dell’Anima” in Pescara, highlighting mental‑health themes; Ai Weiwei’s “Aftershock” show at the MAXXI museum, presenting works on memory, human rights and recent earthquakes; and theatre productions by Giorgio Panariello and Pablo Trincia as part of the “Cantieri dell’Immaginario” series, exploring futuristic scenarios and a wrongful‑conviction investigation. All events are free and part of the city’s cultural celebration.