Urbino in Watercolour
The international festival of contemporary watercolour in the city of Raphael
About Urbino in Watercolour
Urbino, Capital of Watercolour
Every spring, Urbino, in the heart of the Province of Pesaro and Urbino and the Marche region, becomes the international capital of watercolour. Urbino in Watercolour is a widespread festival that brings artists, masters, teachers, and enthusiasts from dozens of countries around the world to the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre of the ducal city, united by their passion for one of the oldest and most delicate painting techniques. For a few days, the city of Raphael transforms into a true open-air art studio, where painting takes place live in the streets, squares, and in front of Renaissance palaces.
An Event Spread Throughout the Historic Centre
The festival's headquarters is the Palazzo del Collegio Raffaello, overlooking the central Piazza della Repubblica, which hosts conventions, masterclasses, and workshops in its historic halls. But the event extends to numerous venues scattered throughout the city: from the Oratorio di San Giuseppe to the Galleria d'Arte Albani, from the Circolo Culturale Cittadino to the evocative Rampa Elicoidale, and even to the panoramic spaces of the Fortezza Albornoz, where artists paint en plein air with views of the Marche hills.
Between Exhibitions, Masterclasses, and Live Painting
The program intertwines solo and group exhibitions, technical demonstrations, workshops led by international masters, moments of music and performance, awards ceremonies, and outdoor painting sessions. A significant part is dedicated to schools and young people, with exhibitions of works by Italian and international institutions and educational activities designed to introduce children and teenagers to the world of watercolour.
An International and Free Event
Organized by the UrbinoInAcquerello Cultural Association, the festival has grown edition after edition to become one of the leading events in the sector in Italy, with catalogues distributed to prestigious libraries and institutions throughout Europe. Admission to conventions, performances, and workshops is free, making Urbino in Watercolour a unique opportunity to discover the work of great watercolour artists up close and, at the same time, experience one of the most beautiful art cities in the Marche.
Urbino in Watercolour — edition 2026
Urbino in Watercolour 2026 — XI Edition
The 2026 edition, the eleventh of the event, brought artists from at least fifteen countries (including Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Finland, Estonia, Mexico, the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, India, Chile, Serbia, Belgium, and Italy) to Urbino. The theme 'Sapphires of the Instant' served as the common thread for exhibitions, performances, and meetings spread throughout the ducal city's historic centre.
The heart of the festival was the Palazzo del Collegio Raffaello, with its Sala Raffaello, Sala Serpieri, and Sala Incisori. In Piazza della Repubblica, a large screen broadcast over a thousand works from around the world, while seven exhibition venues hosted solo and group shows across the city.
Programme Urbino in Watercolour 2026
Thursday, April 30
- Opening of exhibitions in various venues in the historic centre
- Live drawing stage with plein air painting
- Official ceremony at the Teatro Sanzio with musical and scenic performance
May 1–3
- Conventions, masterclasses, and workshops with international artists at the Collegio Raffaello (Sala Raffaello, Sala Serpieri, Sala Incisori)
- Daily workshops of approximately 1.5 hours led by international masters (by reservation)
Saturday, May 2
- Plein air painting at the Fortezza Albornoz, with musical entertainment
Sunday, May 3
- Seminars on the grammar of contemporary watercolour
- Awards ceremony and festival lottery
Exhibitions open until May 17. Edition theme: Sapphires of the Instant. Among the exhibition venues: Galleria Albani, Circolo Culturale, Oratorio di San Giuseppe, and the Rampa Elicoidale, where the school exhibition featuring works from numerous Italian institutions was set up.
Highlights Urbino in Watercolour 2026
Prices Urbino in Watercolour 2026
Practical information — Urbino in Watercolour
Getting Here
Urbino does not have a train station: the nearest train station is in Pesaro, from which direct buses depart for Urbino. By car, it can be reached from the Fano-Grosseto highway (E78), exit Urbino. The main car parks are located at the entrances to the historic centre, connected by lifts and pedestrian walkways.
Venues
Main venue: Palazzo del Collegio Raffaello, Piazza della Repubblica. Other venues in the historic centre (Oratorio di San Giuseppe, Galleria Albani, Rampa Elicoidale, Fortezza Albornoz).
Admission and Workshops
Free admission to exhibitions, conventions, and performances. Workshops with masters require booking via email. For information: UrbinoInAcquerello Cultural Association.
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Where does it take place — Urbino in Watercolour
Palazzo del Collegio Raffaello
Palazzo del Collegio Raffaello, Piazza della Repubblica, 61029 Urbino