Ancona Cultura Aperta
Visions, journeys and identities to tell Ancona to the world
About Ancona Cultura Aperta
A journey into the culture of the Marche capital
Ancona Cultura Aperta is the series of conferences promoted by the Municipality of Ancona through the Department of Culture. The review, with the subtitle Visions, journeys and identities to tell Ancona to the world, accompanies citizens and visitors on a journey of knowledge of the city's art and history through meetings with scholars, art historians, restorers and experts of national and international standing. The events mainly take place at the Francesco Podesti Civic Art Gallery, housed in Palazzo Bosdari, in the heart of the historic centre of Ancona, the capital of the Marche Region.
The 2026 edition under the sign of Titian
The second edition, scheduled from May to September 2026, revolves around the figure of Titian Vecellio and the two masterpieces that the Venetian master left to Ancona, starting with the famous Pala Gozzi. The series ideally accompanies the major exhibition *Titian 1520. The Pala Gozzi of Ancona and the Annunciation of the Treviso Cathedral*, held in the city until September 26, and is part of the celebrations for the 450th anniversary of the artist's death.
The meetings intertwine art, science and restoration: from technical analyses on the paintings to the relationships between Venice, Ancona and Renaissance Europe. A section is also dedicated to Carlo Maratti, a major figure of the Baroque born in the Marche, whose fourth centenary of birth is celebrated in 2026.
An initiative for the city
Born in 2025 in the context of Ancona's bid for Italian Capital of Culture, the review has established itself as one of the most followed cultural events in the capital. The meetings are designed for a wide audience, from art enthusiasts to the simply curious, and offer an opportunity to deepen knowledge of the city's heritage with authoritative voices from the historical-artistic scene.
- Main venue: Francesco Podesti Civic Art Gallery (Palazzo Bosdari)
- Some events at the Church of San Francesco alle Scale
- Speakers from Italian and foreign universities
- 2026 Theme: Titian, the Pala Gozzi and Carlo Maratti
Ancona Cultura Aperta confirms the role of the Art Gallery and cultural venues as vibrant spaces for discussion, where art history becomes a shared story of the identity of Ancona and its Province.
Ancona Cultura Aperta — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Ancona Cultura Aperta offers an extensive program of conferences between May and September, with the main venue at the Francesco Podesti Civic Art Gallery in Ancona. The common thread is the figure of Titian and his masterpieces linked to the city, particularly the Pala Gozzi, accompanied by the major city exhibition open until September 26.
The meetings involve prominent national and international scholars and restorers, addressing themes ranging from scientific analyses of the paintings to the artistic relationships between Venice, Ancona, and Renaissance Europe, up to the Baroque of Carlo Maratti.
Programme Ancona Cultura Aperta 2026
May 22 - Church of San Francesco alle Scale (5:00 PM)
- The young Lotto at the court of Treviso of Bernardo de' Rossi — Don Paolo Barbisan (Diocese of Treviso), with an introduction by Archbishop Mons. Angelo Spina
May 23 - Civic Art Gallery (4:30 PM)
- Titianus pinxit 1520. The Malchiostro Annunciation in the Treviso Cathedral — Don Paolo Barbisan
May 28 - Civic Art Gallery (4:30 PM)
- Presentation of the volume Carlo Maratti (1625-1713) between the magnificence of the Baroque and the dream of Arcadia. Paintings and drawings (Ugo Bozzi Publisher)
June 18 - Civic Art Gallery (4:30 PM)
- The technical secrets of Titian around the Pala Gozzi. The view of scientific analyses — Gianluca Poldi (University of Udine)
July 9 - Civic Art Gallery (4:30 PM)
- 1520-1558. Contexts and relationships of Titian's two masterpieces in Ancona — Marco Tittarelli (University of Macerata)
September 11 - Civic Art Gallery
- Titian and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco — Maria Agnese Chiari Moretto Wiel (Wake Forest University)
September 18 - Civic Art Gallery
- Titian the innovator. The conjuncture of 1520 — Thomas Dalla Costa
September 25 - Civic Art Gallery
- Presentation of the volume Titian & Save Venice: Six Restored Masterpieces — Melissa Conn and Gabriele Matino (Save Venice)
An intervention by Professor Bernard Aikema (University of Verona) titled Titian and Landscape is also planned; the date will be announced later.
Highlights Ancona Cultura Aperta 2026
Prices Ancona Cultura Aperta 2026
Practical information — Ancona Cultura Aperta
Where
The meetings mainly take place at the Francesco Podesti Civic Art Gallery, housed in Palazzo Bosdari (Vicolo Foschi 4, Ancona), in the historic centre. Some events are held at the Church of San Francesco alle Scale.
How to get there
The Art Gallery is located in the heart of Ancona, a short distance from Piazza del Plebiscito. From Ancona railway station, you can reach the centre by Conerobus urban buses or on foot along the main street. By car, there are parking areas in the city centre and port.
Admission
The conferences are public meetings promoted by the Municipality of Ancona. It is advisable to check times, any changes and participation methods on the Municipality of Ancona website before each event.
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Where does it take place — Ancona Cultura Aperta
Pinacoteca Civica Francesco Podesti
Vicolo Foschi 4, 60121 Ancona