Bruce Gilden’s “A Closer Look” Exhibition Debuts in Brescia, Italy
Brescia, Italy, is set to host the first major monographic exhibition in Italy dedicated to the work of acclaimed street photographer Bruce Gilden. “A Closer Look,” will be on display at the Museo di Santa Giulia from March 27 to August 23, 2026, alongside a site-specific installation, “Grace / Grazia. Bruce Gilden for Raphael,” at the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo from March 27 to July 12, 2026.
A Retrospective of a Pioneering Photographer
Bruce Gilden (born 1946), a full member of the Magnum Photos agency, is widely recognized as a pioneer of street photography. The exhibition project, conceived in close collaboration with Gilden himself, showcases a comprehensive collection of his work. The exhibition is part of the 9th edition of the Brescia Photo Festival (March 26–29, 2026).
Exhibition Details: Museo di Santa Giulia
“A Closer Look” at the Museo di Santa Giulia will feature approximately 80 photographs. The exhibition focuses on Gilden’s “Faces” series (2013-2024), characterized by dynamic compositions, striking graphic qualities, and his signature use of flash. His work documents cities around the globe, including locations in the United States, England, Mexico, Greece, and Colombia. The exhibition will also include earlier black and white photographs taken in Japan (1996-1999), Haiti (1985-1995), Europe (France, Ireland, and England), and New York City (1969-1995).
“Grace / Grazia. Bruce Gilden for Raphael” at Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo
The site-specific installation at the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo features a photographic diptych commissioned by the Brescia Museums Foundation. This work reinterprets the concept of “grace,” drawing inspiration from two works by Raphael currently on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
A Collaborative Initiative
The exhibition is curated by Denis Curti and organized by the Fondazione Brescia Musei in partnership with Magnum Photos. It is promoted by the Municipality of Brescia and the Fondazione Brescia Musei, with the collaboration of Cavallerizza – center of Italian photography. The project was selected as part of the 2025 Photography Strategy call by the Italian Ministry of Culture, aiming to establish photography as a leading contemporary art form.
Visitor Information
The Central Booking Office (CUP) is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed on public holidays. Reservations and information can be obtained by calling +39 030 8174200 or emailing cup@bresciamusei.com. Access to both exhibitions will be free for all visitors on Friday, March 27th, the opening day.