In a dialogue between eras and styles, Villa Pignatelli hosts "Warhol vs. Banksy – Passaggio a Napoli," an exhibition that reveals how the vibrant Neapolitan culture has influenced two of the greatest artists of our time, offering a unique perspective on their work.
Naples – Two icons, two eras, one revolutionary language. On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 15:00 PM, the prestigious setting of Villa Pignatelli will open its doors to an international exhibition: "Warhol vs. Banksy – Passage to Naples."
The exhibition, co-produced with the Ministry of Culture (MIC) and the Palazzo Reale-Villa Pignatelli museum complex, is not merely an aesthetic comparison between the king of Pop Art and the elusive British street artist. The exhibition aims to explore the subtle connection between both artists and Naples, a city that welcomed and influenced their disruptive visions.
The mystery of the "Madonna with the gun"
A focal point of the exhibition will be a scientific study of the famous "Madonna with a Gun." Banksy's work, located in Piazza Gerolomini, is the artist's only documented stencil in Italy and will be the subject of a technical analysis that will reveal its conservation secrets and iconographic significance in the urban context of Naples.
Event coordinates
Where: Villa Pignatelli, Riviera di Chiaia 200, Naples.
When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 15:00 PM.
Organization: Co-production MIC and Palazzo Reale-Villa Pignatelli.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (2)
I have reservations too, I wonder whether the works on display will truly be representative of their work or if it will just be a commercial ploy to attract more visitors.
The event seems interesting, but I don't know if the combination of Warhol and Banksy would work well. They're two very different styles, and Naples is a complicated city for these artists. We'll see how it develops.