Halloween 2026 will no longer be just a race between haunted houses and candy: many cultural institutions have decided to open their doors to those who want to combine thrills and discovery. From North to South, museums are offering programs dedicated to families, school groups, and curious visitors of all ages, with activities ranging from virtual reality to traditional treasure hunts.
Northern Museums: Art, Science, and Augmented Reality
The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan is organizing a series of immersive workshops on October 31st and November 1st. Younger children (ages 3-6) can participate in the "The Sky in the Room" workshop, where shadows, monsters, and flying witches come to life on large canvases.
Teens and adults are invited to experience the Virtual Zone : using VR headsets, teams of four will take on the role of ghostbusters, inspired by the classic Ghostbusters, to capture spectres in digital settings set between New York and San Francisco. The cost is €4 per person, and reservations are required.
Escapade at Palazzo Grimani, Venice
On October 31st, at 18:00 PM, the Palazzo Grimani Museum will transform its neoclassical rooms into a true escape room . Participants, invited to wear Halloween costumes, will have to solve puzzles devised by the tormented spirit of Giovanni Grimani to find their way out. The activity is free for children, while adults must book in advance.
Central and Southern Italy: Celtic Traditions and Interactive Shows
In Turin, the Royal Museums are presenting "Samonios – The True Story of Halloween." From 19:45 PM to 11:30 PM on October 31st, the Museum of Antiquities and the Royal Gardens will host historical reenactments of Celtic traditions, with stories, demonstrations of ancient rituals, and an evocative fire ritual. Admission is free for children under 23; adults pay 8 euros.
History and Mystery at the MUSE in Trento
In the Trentino afternoon, from 14:00 PM to 19:00 PM, MUSE and Palazzo delle Albere host science workshops, interactive games, and shows that transform fear into curiosity. The activities are included in the admission price, allowing parents and children to explore the world of physics and biology with a thrilling twist.
Extra-museum events for an unforgettable weekend
If the night of ghosts isn't enough, the Monsterland Halloween Festival takes over the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola on October 31st, offering music, spectacular shows, and interactive installations from 16:00 PM to 05:00 AM. In addition to 13 themed stages, there will be attractions for the little ones and a "horror lounge" area for those who want to keep the adrenaline pumping until late at night. Meanwhile, the Grand Tour Italia "Pumpkin Park" in Milan offers an afternoon of carving, games, and autumn-themed tastings.
For those who prefer a more intimate experience, Palazzo Milzetti in Faenza is offering the "Fifth Arcanum": a treasure hunt with puzzles and clues that will take place at 20:45 PM, with the museum open until 23:00 PM. The cost is included in the admission ticket, but advance booking is recommended to guarantee your spot.
Finally, in Florence, the Stibbert Museum is organizing "Knights in the Night," a nocturnal tour from 6:30 PM to 18:00 PM, featuring armor, knights, and eerie presences, with the opportunity to participate in an unusual historical trick-or-treat. Tickets range from €22 to €14, with reservations required. With so many options, Halloween 2026 becomes the ideal opportunity to discover artistic and scientific heritage through playful means, transforming the spookiest night of the year into a cultural adventure for everyone.
