From September 18 to December 13, 2026, the Strait becomes an international laboratory to reflect on the future of Mediterranean cities and landscapes
Southern Italy reaffirms itself as the epicenter of an ambitious cultural reflection with the third edition of The Biennale dello Stretto. The event, which will take place across various locations between Reggio Calabria and Messina, is a project conceived by architect Alfonso Femia and promoted by the Fondazione Le città del futuro, in partnership with a robust network of public and private entities.
The objective is clear: to dismantle the stigma that keeps major events away from the Mezzogiorno, offering lucid visions and international projections for territories of indisputable vitality.
The 2026 Theme: MUTATIONS
The heart of this edition is encapsulated in the term MUTATIONS. Borrowed from biology and softened from its severe meaning of genetic alteration, the chosen theme aims to express the irrevocability and depth of current global changes.
Through this lens, The Biennale dello Stretto continues to explore the potential of the Mediterranean area, examining often contrasting elements—landscapes, cultures, architecture, and cities—to hypothesize a future development free from dystopian narratives or programmed predictions.
An International Scientific Direction
Led by an “alchemical mix” of three distinct personalities, the 2026 edition benefits from the scientific direction of:
- Alfonso Femia (Architect and founder);
- Annalisa Metta (Landscape architect and Professor at Roma Tre);
- Salima Naji (Anthropologist and architect from Agadir).
“MUTATIONS is an invitation to reflect on what is truly happening in our time, not just on possible evolutionary scenarios in the short and medium term, but on the complex issue of evolutionary misalignment and the consequences already affecting territories and cities,” the three directors declare.
An Open Curatorial Process
The structure of the Biennale is based on a choral process that actively involves the local community and academic research. The team consists of 8 curators for the scientific design area and 4 curators for the art, photography, and design sessions.
From water resilience curated by Park Associati to the “Post Landscape” by Marco Introini, and the “New Codes” of design by Francesco Alati, every section aims to understand what urban regeneration is today—and, more importantly, what it is not.
Exceptional Locations: Between Forts and Museums
The main exhibition venue will once again be the evocative Forte Batteria Siacci in Campo Calabro, a masterpiece of military architecture carved into the hillside. Debates and talks will also extend to the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria (MArRC) and Villa Genoese Zerbi, creating a permanent cultural bridge connecting the two shores of the Strait for nearly three months of programming.
Photo Stefano Anzini
