Six of the 10 most-visited countries in the world are in Europe, including Spain, France, and Italy. And with thousands of museums across dozens of countries, Europe has plenty to offer art aficionados and curious tourists.

But even the most passionate art lover can only fit so much into a European tour. We have selected five exhibitions to inspire you.

Additionally, proper preparation for an art tour is almost as important as the trip itself. Understanding how to plan ahead and stay safe will help you get the most out of your travels. From choosing arrival times wisely to avoiding hackers on public hotspots, there’s a lot to consider before you travel.

5 European Art Exhibitions to Enjoy in Summer 2026

Choosing from hundreds of exhibitions will be a challenge for any tourist. But whether you have a well-honed eye for art or you’re culturally curious, European museums have something for all tastes.

Canaletto & Bellotto

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Vienna, Austria (24 March – 6 September 2026)

The ‘Canaletto & Bellotto’ exhibition is dedicated to two artists known for capturing European cities in extraordinary detail. Their combined portfolio includes interpretations of Venice, London, and other cities.

Brassaï: The Secret Signs of Paris

Moderna Museet, Stockholm, Sweden (28 March – 4 October 2026)

Brassai (otherwise known as Gyula Halász) explored his creativity across multiple disciplines but is best known for his photography. ‘Brassai – The Secret Signs of Paris’ focuses on photos Brassai captured of the city at night in the early 1930s.

KAWS: Art & Comix

Albertina Modern, Vienna, Austria (3 April – 27 September 2026)

The Albertina Modern’s exhibition uses the work of KAWS (AKA Brian Donnelly) as its foundation. An American artist with a unique style, KAWS created memorable pieces inspired by comics. The exhibition includes works by other artists influenced by comics too.

Pierre Huyghe

Foundation Beyeler, Riehen, Switzerland (24 May – 13 September 2026)

The Pierre Huyghe exhibition has been created exclusively for the Foundation Beyeler. It includes new works alongside other recent pieces, showcasing Huyghe’s versatility across media.

Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy

Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice, Italy (6 May – 19 October 2026)

Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy is the first prominent solo exhibition for a living female artist at the Gallerie dell’Accademia. Expect to see interactive works that visitors are invited to stand, sit, or even lie on.

Preparing for Your European Art Tour

Planning your art tour properly can help you prepare for potential hiccups and make the most of your time away.

Confirm that Venue Openings Match Your Plans

Check museum opening times and booking systems well in advance. Some venues only open on specific days and have particular admission requirements.

When visiting the Louvre, for example, you must book tickets for a specific time slot. The venue manages admissions tightly, which is unsurprising when more than 8 million people visited in one year alone. Additionally, the Louvre is closed every Tuesday.

Connect to Museum and Gallery Networks Safely

You may connect to a museum’s Wi-Fi while browsing, whether to navigate the local area or book your evening meal. You’re likely to use airport Wi-Fi between flights too.

But public Wi-Fi networks can have security vulnerabilities that expose your data to potential bad actors. A virtual private network (VPN) can stop other users from viewing your data when you connect to public Wi-Fi. Check VPN prices to find the best deal.

Check Museum Layouts to Save Time

You may only have an hour or two to view exhibitions at busy museums, so saving time is important.

Certain museums, such as the Louvre, offer virtual tours on their website. You can use them to work out how to find points of interest and avoid wasted time on the day.

Leave Space for Prints and Souvenirs

For many art lovers, buying prints and souvenirs is an exciting part of visiting museums. But if you browse multiple venues, you may rack up several purchases in a short time.

Unless you want to buy an extra suitcase for the items you buy, leave space in your luggage when packing. Allowing yourself a finite amount of room will encourage you to consider your choices carefully.

Enjoy Exploring Europe’s Art Scene

Preparing your tour of European museums and galleries can be overwhelming. There are so many fantastic places to see and things to do, whether you prefer classic, contemporary, or other styles. But with some research and planning, you can build the perfect art tour itinerary for your tastes.