Marina Abramović to Have Historic Solo Exhibition at Venice’s Galleria dell’Accademia in 2026

Marina Abramović is set to make history once again, this time with a major solo exhibition at Galleria dell’Accademia in Venice. Opening in May 2026 during the art biennale, Abramović will become the first living female artist to have a major exhibition at the renowned institution, which has been open since 1817. This marks a significant milestone in her celebrated career, adding to her history-making achievements, such as being the first woman to have a solo show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2023 and the first woman to be awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 1997.

A Personal and Powerful Retrospective

The exhibition, titled Transforming Energy, first debuted at the Modern Art Museum (MAM) in Shanghai in 2025. It is inspired by Abramović’s 1988 performance The Great Wall Walk, where she and her former partner, the late artist Ulay, walked from opposite ends of the Great Wall of China, meeting in the middle after 90 days. The performance symbolized their separation, choosing to end their relationship on the Wall instead of marrying. This historic walk, along with other iconic performances, will be showcased at the Accademia, offering a powerful look into the personal and artistic evolution of Abramović.

Shai Baitel, the artistic director of MAM, has collaborated with Abramović to curate the Venice exhibition, which will include several of her most notable works, such as:

Rhythm 0 (1974): In this six-hour performance, Abramović stood motionless in a room, inviting spectators to use a variety of props—ranging from a candle to a gun—on her as they wished. The performance pushed the limits of human endurance and power dynamics between artist and audience.
Imponderabilia (1997): In this piece, Abramović and Ulay stood naked in a narrow doorway, forcing viewers to squeeze past them in a poignant exploration of intimacy, vulnerability, and human connection.
Pietà (with Ulay) (1983): A photograph of Abramović cradling Ulay’s body on her lap will be displayed next to Titian’s Pietà, marking the 450th anniversary of the Renaissance master’s unfinished final painting.

Incorporating New Works and Materials

Alongside these powerful historical pieces, the exhibition will also feature Abramović’s more recent works, including those that incorporate precious stones like quartz and amethyst, continuing her exploration of spiritual and transformative energy through art. These works reflect her ongoing commitment to using materials that carry deep symbolic and metaphysical significance.

A Personal Connection to Venice

Reflecting on her deep connection with Venice, Abramović shares her personal recollections of her first visit to the Venice Biennale when she was just 14 years old. She describes her first encounter with the city, saying,

“We travelled by train from Belgrade, and as I stepped out of the station and saw Venice for the first time, I began to cry. It was so incredibly beautiful—unlike anything I had ever seen. Since then, returning to Venice has become a tradition, and after receiving the Golden Lion in 1997, the city has always held a special place in my life.”

Details of the Exhibition

Exhibition Title: Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy
Dates: 6 May – 19 October 2026
Location: Galleria dell’Accademia, Venice, Italy
Highlights: The Great Wall Walk, Rhythm 0, Imponderabilia, Pietà (with Ulay), and more.

Marina Abramović’s exhibition at the Galleria dell’Accademia will be a groundbreaking event in the art world, offering an in-depth exploration of the artist’s personal and artistic transformation. As she celebrates her 80th birthday in 2026, this exhibition will undoubtedly be a defining moment in her legacy, further solidifying her role as one of the most influential contemporary artists of our time.