Belle Époque in Pisa: Italian Painters in Paris at Palazzo Blu

The Belle Époque. Italian Painters in Paris during the Impressionist Era exhibition is now open at Palazzo Blu in Pisa, offering visitors a journey through elegance, innovation, and the birth of European modernity. Running until April 7, 2026, this major cultural event celebrates the golden age of art through the works of three Italian masters who made their mark in Paris: Giovanni Boldini, Giuseppe De Nittis, and Federico Zandomeneghi.

The Spirit of the Belle Époque

The Belle Époque was a time of optimism, refinement, and artistic freedom — when Paris became the beating heart of modern Europe. Boldini, De Nittis, and Zandomeneghi were among the many artists drawn to the city’s vibrant salons and cafés, where they transformed Italian tradition into a language of cosmopolitan modernity.

Featuring around 100 masterpieces from world-renowned institutions including the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Uffizi Galleries, and the Capodimonte Museum, the exhibition explores how these Italian painters helped define the look and spirit of their era.

Three Italians Who Shaped Modern Art

Giovanni Boldini, from Ferrara, captured the grace and dynamism of Parisian high society with his sweeping brushwork and theatrical flair.

Giuseppe De Nittis, born in Barletta, became a poetic observer of modern life — painting boulevards, parks, and fashionable crowds with impressionist luminosity.

Federico Zandomeneghi, a Venetian, explored the quiet world of domestic intimacy and women’s everyday lives, creating gentle, light-filled scenes admired by Degas and Renoir alike.

These three artists bridged two worlds — the realist legacy of Italy’s Macchiaioli and the avant-garde energy of Paris — redefining what it meant to be modern. Their success abroad helped place Italian art at the center of Europe’s creative awakening.

Belle Époque in Pisa: Nine Sections of Artistic Discovery

Organized into nine thematic sections, the exhibition traces the evolution of European art from political turmoil to refined modernity. Visitors can explore:

• The rebirth of Paris after the Franco-Prussian War.
• The influence of Maison Goupil, the gallery that propelled Italian artists into international fame.
• Boldini’s dazzling evocations of 18th-century elegance.
• The intellectual gatherings in De Nittis’s Parisian salon, frequented by Manet, Zola, and Degas.
• Zandomeneghi’s dialogue with the Impressionists, and his unique synthesis of Italian and French sensibilities.
• The final section, The Belle Époque in Tuscany, which reveals how this refined aesthetic also blossomed in cities such as Livorno, Pisa, and Florence, inspiring local artists and shaping a new vision of modern beauty.

Beyond the Palazzo Blu Exhibition

More than an art show, Belle Époque is a full cultural experience. Palazzo Blu will host talks, film screenings, and even the Belle Époque Award at Pisa’s San Rossore Racecourse. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world where art, style, and progress defined an unforgettable era.

While in Pisa, take time to stroll along the Lungarno Gambacorti, enjoy a cappuccino with a view of the Arno River, and visit the city’s crown jewel — the Leaning Tower in Piazza dei Miracoli. Pisa is easily reachable by train from Florence, making it an ideal day trip for art lovers.

Read also: Brazilian Mural by Eduardo Kobra in Pisa

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Visitor Information
Venue: Palazzo Blu – Lungarno Gambacorti 9, Pisa
Dates: Open now until April 7, 2026
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last admission one hour before closing)
Curator: Francesca Dini
Tickets and reservations: Buy here from the official reseller (good to know: the open ticket allows flexible entry dates, while the other option requires selecting a specific date and time).
Accommodation:See our selection of hotels in Pisa

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Travel Tip:
If you love art, don’t miss Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David — two masterpieces of Renaissance culture just a short train ride away.