Bruce Gilden. A Closer Look

The exhibition A Closer Look, on view at the Museo di Santa Giulia from 27 March to 23 August 2026, is the first major monographic exhibition ever presented in Italy dedicated to Bruce Gilden (New York, 1946). A full member of the Magnum Photos agency and widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Street Photography, Gilden is the focus of a unique and significant composite project, presented for the first time in Italy by the city of Brescia.

The monographic exhibition is part of a broader exhibition project conceived in close dialogue with the artist himself. Alongside A Closer Look, hosted at the Museo di Santa Giulia, the project also includes the site-specific installation Grace / Grazia. Bruce Gilden for Raphael, on view at the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo.

Curated by Denis Curti, developed in direct collaboration with the artist and organized by Fondazione Brescia Musei in partnership with Magnum Photos, the initiative represents a project of international scope and one of the key highlights of the 9th edition of the Brescia Photo Festival (26–29 March 2026). It continues the Museums of Brescia’s exploration of contemporary American photographers, a curatorial line launched in 2023 with David LaChapelle and continued last year with Joel Meyerowitz.

The exhibition presents a selection of 80 photographs. The display revolves around the series Faces (2013–2024): portraits characterized by a dynamic tension, distinctive graphic qualities, and Gilden’s original and direct approach to photographing faces with the use of flash. These images function as a visual chronicle of cities around the world—from the United States to the United Kingdom, via Mexico, Greece, and Colombia. The works emerge from an intensely sought-after relationship and dialogue with the subjects, while maintaining the uncompromising, confrontational approach that defines Gilden’s distinctive visual language.

Alongside these works, the exhibition features a selection of early black-and-white photographs (1968), images made in Japan portraying members of the Yakuza (1996–1999), in Haiti (1985–1995), and across Europe—including France (1994–2015), Ireland (1996–1997), and the United Kingdom (2000–2012)—with a particular focus on his native city, New York (1969–1995).

The exhibition is completed by two audiovisual contributions: the first is an interview conducted by British photographer and reporter Martin Parr, in which Bruce Gilden reflects on his life and professional career; the second is a video produced by Magnum Photos.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office of the Santa Giulia Museum or online.

🎟️ Special offer! Holders of a ticket to the exhibition A Closer Look can visit the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, which is hosting the site-specific installation Grace / Grazia. Bruce Gilden for Raphael, from 27 March to 12 July 2026, for just €3.00.

Cinema + Exhibition, your double experience with a special discount!
Holders of a Cinema Nuovo Eden ticket can visit the temporary exhibitions at the Museum of Santa Giulia at the reduced rate.

Holders of a ticket for the Museum of Santa Giulia’s temporary exhibitions can attend a screening at the Cinema Nuovo Eden at the reduced rate.