A New Chapter for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure in Venice
The esteemed Shueisha Manga Art Heritage is set to participate in the 2026 Personal Structures exhibition, coinciding with the Venice Biennale. This highly anticipated event will showcase a fascinating collection of art prints from Hirohiko Araki’s renowned series, "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure", starting from May 9, 2026, at the splendid Palazzo Bembo, overlooking the iconic Rialto Bridge.
The exhibition, aptly titled "Hirohiko Araki: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure / Lithograph, lenticular, letterpress & color print works", will redefine the way fans engage with the world of manga. It features stunning lithographs and groundbreaking lenticular artworks that create a three-dimensional experience when viewed with both eyes. These pieces originally premiered at the Minnesota Street Project in San Francisco in 2025, followed by a limited-time display at the important cultural site, Higashi Hongan-ji, in Kyoto. Currently, they are on tour at the Tokyo Gallery at Azabudai Hills.
In addition to these masterpieces, attendees in Venice will have the opportunity to view archival inkjet prints that showcase vibrant color prints, as well as monochrome works created through traditional letterpress techniques. This eclectic mix bridges the old and the new, reflecting the innovative spirit of manga art while paying homage to its roots.
The Personal Structures exhibition, initiated in 2011 and organized by the European Cultural Centre (ECC), aims to celebrate diverse artistic expressions that transcend ideological, political, and geographic barriers. The theme for 2026, "Confluences", symbolizes the intersections of canals, thoughts, and human connections. Shueisha Manga Art Heritage is excited to collaborate with the B-OWND gallery, presenting traditional Japanese craftsmanship in a fresh and modern context.
Palazzo Bembo itself is a remarkable historical building dating back to the 1300s and is recognized as the birthplace of notable Renaissance cultural figure Pietro Bembo. The exhibition space within the palace boasts cobblestone finishes and a mosaic depiction of the Bembo family crest. Its prime location along the canal offers breathtaking views of the Rialto Bridge, steeped in the lore of Araki's stories, where characters like Giorno Giovanna and Rohan Kishibe have ventured, intertwined with the rich history of Venice.
This unique blend of manga, art, and craftsmanship will create an extraordinary experience where the depicted landscapes of Araki’s works intersect with the real-life scenes of Venice, transcending the boundaries of time and fiction.
Mark your calendars for this spectacular event that marries the vibrant world of manga with the majestic history of Venice, shedding light on how these artistic influences converge in unexpected and beautiful ways.
Exhibition Details
Hirohiko Araki: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure / Lithograph, lenticular, letterpress & color print works
Date: May 9 – November 22, 2026
Venue: Personal Structures, Palazzo Bembo, Venice, Italy
Address: Riva del Carbon 4793, San Marco 30124, Venice, Italy
Official Site: Personal Structures
About Hirohiko Araki
Born on June 7, 1960, in Miyagi Prefecture, Hirohiko Araki made his debut in 1980 with "Buso Poker", receiving a runner-up award at the 20th Tezuka Awards. He began serializing "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1986, and the series has since sold over 120 million copies globally. As of 2025, he continues to serialize "The JOJOLands" in Ultra Jump.
In 2009, he participated in a special exhibition at the Louvre Museum, presenting "Rohan au Louvre". His collaboration with Gucci in 2013 saw his works displayed across all global Gucci stores. Notably, in 2018, Araki held a groundbreaking solo exhibition at the National Art Center in Tokyo, marking the first time a working manga artist showcased their work in a national museum.
Shueisha Manga Art Heritage continues to promote manga artistry, fostering a deep appreciation for this unique cultural treasure worldwide.