European Photographic Festival
Exhibitions and photographic languages in the cultural venues of Busto Arsizio
About European Photographic Festival
Photography takes centre stage in Busto Arsizio
The European Photographic Festival is the major exhibition dedicated to photography that enlivens Busto Arsizio, in the province of Varese, every spring. Organized by the Italian Photographic Archive, under the artistic direction of Claudio Argentiero, it is a European-scale event that makes the Lombard city a meeting point for enthusiasts, authors, and the curious.
Ten exhibitions in cultural venues
The heart of the festival is the numerous photographic exhibitions set up in the main cultural venues of the city: the Museum of Textiles and Industrial Tradition, Palazzo Marliani Cicogna, the former Austrian prisons in via Borroni, the Boragno Gallery, and the Spazio Immagine, as well as some private spaces and Malpensa Airport. A widespread itinerary that invites visitors to discover the city through the lens of photographers.
Not just exhibitions
The program is not limited to exhibitions: conferences, screenings, book presentations, and training courses accompany the exhibitions, fostering a dialogue between historical, modern, and contemporary photography. Free guided tours of the civic museums and workshops for families and children are planned, making the festival an experience open to all.
A European cultural laboratory
Defined as a 'cultural laboratory open to European dialogue', the festival uses photography as a tool for reflection and inclusion, giving space to both established authors and emerging talents, Italian and international. An event that has become rooted in the cultural fabric of Busto Arsizio and the Alto Milanese area.
European Photographic Festival — edition 2026
The 14th edition of the European Photographic Festival is held in Busto Arsizio from March 8 to April 26, 2026, with the theme 'Human Geographies' — a story of places through the people who inhabit and preserve them. Organized by the Italian Photographic Archive, it features ten exhibitions in six public and private exhibition venues, alongside conferences, screenings, book presentations, and training courses. Among the venues are the former Austrian prisons in via Borroni, reopened after restoration. Free admission to the exhibitions.
Programme European Photographic Festival 2026
March 8 - April 26 — The Ten Exhibitions
- Museum of Textiles and Industrial Tradition
- Palazzo Marliani Cicogna
- Former Austrian prisons, via Borroni (reopened after restoration)
- Galleria Boragno
- Spazio Immagine and other private spaces
- Milan Malpensa Airport
Side Events
- Conferences, screenings, and book presentations
- Training courses and free guided tours of the civic museums (by reservation)
- Workshops for families and children, such as 'Zoom on Nature: Small Details, Big Discoveries' (ages 6-11)
The exhibitions feature established and emerging artists, Italian and international, creating a dialogue between historical, modern, and contemporary photography.
Highlights European Photographic Festival 2026
Prices European Photographic Festival 2026
Practical information — European Photographic Festival
Where
The exhibitions are held in various venues in Busto Arsizio (VA): Museo del Tessile, Palazzo Marliani Cicogna, former Austrian prisons (via Borroni), Galleria Boragno, Spazio Immagine, and other spaces.
How to get there
Busto Arsizio is served by the FS and Ferrovie Nord stations and the A8 Milan-Varese motorway; Malpensa Airport is a few kilometers away.
Admission
Most exhibitions offer free admission; guided tours of the civic museums require booking.
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Where does it take place — European Photographic Festival
Museo del Tessile, Palazzo Marliani Cicogna ed ex carceri austriache
Via Alessandro Volta 6, 21052 Busto Arsizio