Every spring, Reggio Emilia becomes one of the European capitals of contemporary photography thanks to European Photography, an international festival attracting artists, curators, enthusiasts and visitors from all over Europe.
The edition 2026 will take place from 30 April to 14 June and opening days on 30 April and 1, 2 and 3 May will transform the city centre into a large gallery spread across museums, historical buildings, cloisters and exhibition spaces.
For those who love contemporary art, this event is a perfect opportunity to experience a A cultural weekend of photography, gastronomy and Emilian landscapes.
Fotografia Europea: one of Italy's most important photography festivals
Created in 2006 and promoted by the Municipality of Reggio Emilia and the Palazzo Magnani Foundation, Fotografia Europea is today one of the most important festivals dedicated to contemporary photography in Italy. Each year the festival invites international photographers and artists to discuss a central theme related to contemporary society, offering exhibitions, installations and meetings with the authors.
The exhibitions are hosted in some of the city's most fascinating locations, including:
- Cloisters of St Peter's
- Magnani Palace
- museums and galleries in the historic centre
- cultural spaces and historic buildings
During the festival, the entire city comes alive with cultural events, workshops and publishing presentations.
The theme of the 2026 edition: “Ghosts of the Everyday”.”
The 2026 edition of Fotografia Europea has as its theme “Ghosts of the Everyday”, an invitation to reflect on what remains hidden behind visible reality: memories, absences, traces of the past and silent stories that continue to influence the present.
The festival therefore proposes a journey into the relationship between images, memory and imagination, exploring what often remains invisible but lives on in our everyday experience.
The opening days: the festival's liveliest moment
The most intense moment of the event are the OPEN DAYS, which in 2026 will be held by 30 April to 3 May.
These days the city hosts:
- opening of the main exhibitions
- meetings with photographers and curators
- talks and conferences
- photo book presentations
- workshops and laboratories
- special events in museums and galleries
One of the most interesting events is the [Parenthesis] Book Fair, dedicated to independent photographic publishing and specialised photography publications.
At the same time, the Circuit OFF, a large network of independent exhibitions organised by photographers, galleries and cultural spaces that transforms the entire city into a diffuse art route.
A perfect event to discover Reggio Emilia
Visiting European Photography is also an opportunity to discover Reggio Emilia and its territory, an area rich in history, landscapes and gastronomic traditions.
A few kilometres from the city are
- the hills of Reggio Emilia and the Matildic Castles
- historic villages surrounded by nature
- traditional wine and vinegar cellars
- some of Italy's gastronomic excellences, such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar
The festival thus becomes the ideal starting point for a journey that unites contemporary art and local culture.
Staying at Borgo at Balsamico during European Photography
For those who wish to experience the festival calmly and immersed in nature, an ideal choice is to stay in the hills of Reggio Emilia at The Borgo del Balsamico.
Located just minutes from the city, Borgo offers a unique hospitality experience in a historic residence surrounded by a large park.
During their stay, guests can
- visit the traditional vinegar cellar
- participate in balsamic vinegar tastings
- exploring the Reggio Emilia hills
- organising tailor-made cultural and gastronomic itineraries
After a day of exhibitions and photographic installations in the centre of Reggio Emilia, returning to Borgo means rediscovering silence, nature and authentic Emilian flavours.
Discover the Residences of Borgo and organise your stay, a perfect balance between art, relaxation and experiential tourism in the heart of Emilia.
CLICK AND DISCOVER THE CONCEPT OF THE “European Photography 2026” EDITION”
