Milan, 28 January 2026 – Robert Mapplethorpe: Forms of Desire opens at Palazzo Reale, featuring a wide selection of the American photographer’s most iconic, powerful and unconventional works, along with a group of previously unseen images. Timed to coincide with the Olympic and Paralympic period, the Milanese exhibition gives visitors a rare chance to encounter the work of one of the 20th century’s most original, refined and controversial artists.
Organised by Comune di Milano | Cultura and produced by Palazzo Reale and Marsilio Arte in collaboration with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation in New York, the exhibition is part of the Milano Cortina 2026 Cultural Olympiad. This multidisciplinary, inclusive and wide-reaching programme will bring Italy to life, promoting Olympic values through culture, heritage and sport, ahead of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games that Italy will host from 6 to 22 February and from 6 to 15 March 2026 respectively. Curated by Denis Curti, the exhibition will be on view in the galleries of Palazzo Reale from 29 January to 17 May 2026.