MFA, St. Petersburg: An Exclusive Patron Journey
Milan & Venice | May 10–17, 2026
Experience the absolute pinnacle of the international art world. Join Executive Director Klaudio Rodriguez, Hazel and William Hough Chief Curator Dr. Stanton Thomas, and Deputy Director Darcy Schuller for an immersive journey centered on the 2026 Venice Biennale—the most significant event on the global art calendar.
This exclusive journey places you at the very heart of the global art stage. While our travels begin amidst the sophisticated collections of Milan, the true north of this trip is Venice’s Giardini and Arsenale. Here, you will navigate the 'Olympics of the Art World' through a lens of unprecedented access and expert curatorial insight.
Limited Availability. Only a few spots remain.
Part I: Milan | The Sophisticated Metropolis
Dates: May 10–13, 2026
Accommodations: Refined 4-star boutique accommodations situated in the vibrant heart of the metropolis.
Before diving into the Biennale, we begin in Italy’s capital of style and innovation. This three-day residency explores the bridge between Renaissance mastery and the cutting edge of contemporary design.
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The Masterworks: A viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and an exploration of the Pinacoteca di Brera.
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The Icons: A curatorial perspective on the Gothic majesty of the Duomo and the 18th-century elegance of Galleria d'Arte Moderna (GAM).
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The Vanguard: Exclusive tours of Fondazione Prada, Pirelli HangarBicocca’s massive installations, and the experimental PAC (Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea).
Part II: Venice | The 61st Venice Biennale
Dates: May 13–17, 2026
Accommodations: An elegant 4-star hotel hand-selected for its character and proximity to the historic center.
Travel via rail to the "Floating City" to witness the pinnacle of the international art world. This portion of the journey is dedicated to the 2026 Venice Biennale, where we navigate the most influential global art stage through a lens of curatorial expertise.
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The Main Event: Multiple days of expert-led navigation through the International Exhibition and the National Pavilions at both the Giardini and the Arsenale.
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Modern Classics: The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in the iconic Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
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Venetian Heritage: The preeminent collection of the Gallerie dell'Accademia and the cultural sanctuary of Fondazione Giorgio Cini.
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The Historic Heart: Exclusive insights into St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, the spiritual and political soul of the Republic.
Itinerary is subject to change.
Trip Logistics
What is Included
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Curated Access: All entrance fees for the Biennale, museums, and private cultural venues.
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Expert Leadership: Direct access to and insights from MFA leadership and local specialists.
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Group Dining: 10 curated meals (5 breakfasts/lunches and 5 dinners) at hand-selected locations.
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Transportation: Train from Milan to Venice and all group transport within both cities.
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Gratuities: All tips for local guides, drivers, and group meals are included.
What is Not Included
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International airfare and ground transport to/from airports.
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Independent Dining: Meals and beverages outside of the 10 scheduled group functions.
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Personal Expenses: Gratuities for individual services (porters, housekeeping) and items of a personal nature.
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Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for all participants.
Trip Investment & Reservations
Program Cost:
- $9,300 per person (Single Occupancy)
- $7,175 per person (Double Occupancy)*
*Double occupancy requires two individuals registering together. The Museum is unable to pair individual travelers.
Secure Your Spot
Space on this exclusive journey is strictly limited to ensure an intimate experience and unprecedented access. To inquire about availability, please complete the form.
Submit a Reservation Request:
To submit a request for placement, please visit MFA Destinations: Milan & Venice 2026 Reservation Request.
(Note: If two guests are participating, each guest must complete the form individually.)
Confirmation:
Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee a spot on the trip. To ensure the highest quality experience for our patrons, we may not be able to accept all reservation requests. A final confirmation of your reservation status will be communicated by our development team within 48 hours of receipt of the request form.
Payment:
Payment must be made in full after confirmation of your participation. Once the trip is officially confirmed and your payment received, a portion of the payment becomes non-refundable based on non-recoverable prepaid museum and vendor costs.
Should you have specific questions regarding the program, the itinerary, or the reservation process, please contact: Nevena Pehar, Director of Development, at npehar@mfastpete.org | 727-896-2667 ext. 256
Terms, Conditions & Requirements
- Registration & Payment: To secure your placement, a reservation must be made no later than February 25, 2026. Full payment of the program cost is due once a spot is confirmed by our team.
- Trip Confirmation & Itinerary: This program is subject to a minimum number of participants. A final confirmation of the trip’s status will be communicated to registered participants on February 13, 2026. Following this confirmation, all registered travelers will receive a comprehensive, day-by-day itinerary including confirmed hotel properties. *Itinerary Adjustments: While the MFA intends to follow the described program, the itinerary is subject to change to ensure the highest quality experience or to accommodate local conditions.
- Accommodations: While we select premier 4-star properties, please note that bed type and number are not guaranteed and are based on hotel availability. Access to rooms with multiple beds (twins) may be limited; the museum will make every effort to accommodate requests but cannot guarantee specific bedding configurations. Selected properties are chosen for their historic character and proximity to cultural sites; as is typical in Europe, room sizes and configurations may vary.
- Baggage & Personal Property: The MFA assumes no liability for loss or damage to baggage. Due to local transport in Venice and Milan, we strongly recommend one suitcase per person.
- Cancellation & Refund Policy: Should the minimum number of participants not be reached by February 13, the trip will be canceled and all payments made to the MFA St. Petersburg will be fully refunded. Once the trip is officially confirmed on February 13, a portion of the payment becomes non-refundable based on non-recoverable prepaid museum and vendor costs.
- Physical Activity: This itinerary is physically active. Participants should be prepared for significant walking and standing for extended periods on uneven cobblestone streets, in large museum complexes, and at the Biennale grounds.
- Conduct & Participation: The MFA reserves the right to remove any participant from the tour whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of the group. In such cases, no refund will be provided.
- Travel Documentation: All participants are required to have a valid U.S. passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel) and a completed ETIAS travel authorization. Participants should apply for ETIAS authorization at least 30 days prior to departure.
- Insurance: The MFA St. Petersburg strongly recommends that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect their investment.
BE A PART OF THE ART
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