9th Contemporary Mosaic Biennale in Ravenna: Marc Chagall in the Spotlight from October 18, 2025 to January 18, 2026

From October 18, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Ravenna transforms into an international creative hub with the 9th Contemporary Mosaic Biennale, an event celebrating the city’s millennia-old tradition and its evolution into a contemporary artistic language.

Promoted and supported by the City of Ravenna and coordinated by the MAR – Ravenna Art Museum, the Biennale is under the artistic direction of Daniele Torcellini and made possible thanks to contributions from key institutions such as Regione Emilia-Romagna, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna, Marcegaglia Ravenna, Orsoni Venezia 1888, and Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna.

Chagall in Mosaic: The Main Event of the Biennale

The centerpiece of this edition is the exhibition “Chagall in Mosaic: From Design to Masterpiece”, which explores over two decades of the Russian artist Marc Chagall’s experimentation with the mosaic technique.

At the heart of the exhibition is Le Coq Bleu, an iconic masterpiece belonging to the MAR’s collection. For the first time, visitors can admire the original sketch displayed alongside two mosaic versions crafted by Ravenna’s master mosaicists Romolo Papa and Antonio Rocchi, a direct testament to the dialogue between the artist and Ravenna’s ancient tradition.

Also on display is Le Grand Soleil, a monumental mosaic Chagall created as a gift for his wife Valentina, which has been unseen by the public for decades and will be shown exclusively during this event.

A Journey Through Sketches, Drawings, and Monumental Works

The exhibition goes beyond showcasing finished mosaics: it reconstructs the entire creative process of Chagall through drawings, watercolors, gouache paintings, lithographs, and collages.
This fascinating journey reveals how Chagall embraced mosaic art as a universal language, deeply connected to architecture and public spaces.

The Theme of the Biennale: “Shared Place”

The theme of this ninth edition, “Shared Place”, invites visitors to reflect on mosaic as an art of connection and dialogue.
Just as mosaic tiles come together to form a unified image, people too can find in this art form a symbol of harmony and encounter, especially meaningful in today’s world, marked by conflicts and division.

This vision comes to life through a rich program of installations, exhibitions, and events spread throughout the city, involving museums, galleries, workshops, and urban spaces, turning Ravenna into a vast creative stage.

Ravenna: The World Capital of Mosaics

Ravenna holds a unique mosaic heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites that bear witness to its role as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire.

Must-See Monuments

Among the city’s unmissable landmarks:

• Basilica of San Vitale, home to extraordinary mosaics, including the famous depictions of Justinian and Theodora.
• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, with its starry blue ceiling that has inspired poets like Ungaretti.
• Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and Sant’Apollinare in Classe, masterpieces of early Christian mosaic art.
• Neonian Baptistery and Arian Baptistery, witnesses to Ravenna’s diverse religious history.
• Archiepiscopal Chapel and Domus of the Stone Carpets, offering a glimpse into the city’s refined ancient past.

These monuments are not only historical treasures but also sources of inspiration for contemporary artists who continue to reinterpret mosaics with modern creativity.

From Ancient to Contemporary Mosaic Art

In Ravenna, mosaics are not merely a memory of the past—they are a living, evolving art form.

Starting in 1924, with the establishment of the Mosaic School of the Academy of Fine Arts, and later in 1948 with the founding of the Mosaicists Group, a vibrant community of artists and artisans emerged, dedicated to preserving and transforming mosaic art for the modern era.

Today, Ravenna’s mosaic tradition extends beyond religious or decorative art into public installations, sculptures, and urban design.
Recent examples include:

• The Dante’s Circles mosaic in Rocca Brancaleone Park, inspired by William Blake’s illustrations of the Divine Comedy.
• The Ardea Purpurea Fountain by Marco Bravura, located in Piazza della Resistenza.
• The Celestial Jerusalem, a mosaic column in the Speyer Gardens, designed by Enzo Pezzi.
• Works by the French street artist Invader, blending mosaic art with pixelated imagery inspired by classic video games.

The MAR and the Biennale: The Heart of Contemporary Mosaic Art

The MAR – Ravenna Art Museum is the central hub of the Biennale and houses a permanent collection of contemporary mosaics, featuring works by both Italian and international artists who have redefined the medium over the last century.

Founded in 2002, the MAR is more than a museum: it is a space for research and innovation, where tradition meets experimentation.
Since its launch in 2009, the Biennale has aimed to map international mosaic production and foster dialogue among artists, curators, schools, and research centers worldwide.

Why Visit Ravenna During the Biennale

Visiting Ravenna during the Biennale offers a unique journey through time, where ancient art and contemporary creativity meet.
The entire city becomes a living mosaic, with each tile representing a new experience—from UNESCO monuments to cutting-edge installations.

Conclusion: Experience Ravenna with a Guided Tour

The 9th Contemporary Mosaic Biennale is the perfect opportunity to discover Ravenna.
From October 18, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the city will come alive with events, exhibitions, and the exceptional showcase dedicated to Marc Chagall.

✨ Book a guided tour with me to experience Ravenna in all its splendor, exploring both its ancient mosaics and the contemporary creations that make it truly unique.

📩 Contact me today to create a personalized itinerary and discover mosaics as you’ve never seen them before.