Robert Crumb. Bad Thoughts
From 27 May to 31 August 2026, Castel Nuovo hosts “Robert Crumb. Bad Thoughts”, the first exhibition in Italy dedicated to the master of American underground comics.
For the first time in Italy, a major exhibition pays tribute to Robert Crumb, one of the most influential and irreverent figures in the history of contemporary comics.
From 27 May to 31 August 2026, the monumental setting of Castel Nuovo – Maschio Angioino presents “Robert Crumb. Bad Thoughts”, a journey into the corrosive, visionary and profoundly human imagination of the American artist.
Born in Philadelphia in 1943 and long resident in France, Crumb revolutionised the counterculture of the 1960s, becoming a central figure in American underground comics. Through characters such as Fritz the Cat and Mr. Natural, and cult publications including Zap Comix and Weirdo, he transformed comics into a radical medium for social satire, introspection and the exploration of the contradictions of the twentieth century.
The exhibition features a selection of more than 100 works, including nearly 50 original pieces, comic pages, illustrations, etchings, reproductions, publications, records and archival materials.
The exhibition route explores some of the artist’s most iconic and provocative visions: from the pages of Zap Comix to the experimental magazine Weirdo, from the character of Mr. Natural to his monumental reinterpretation of the Book of Genesis, and finally to his recent return to the comic-book format with Tales of Paranoia.
Crumb’s distinctive style—obsessive, tactile and instantly recognisable—becomes a lens through which to observe desires, fears, collective anxieties and the darker aspects of contemporary society.
His work offers no consolation. Instead, it exposes the contradictions of both the individual and the modern world with a visual force that is ruthless, ironic and compelling.
Curated by Matteo Stefanelli, Artistic Director of COMICON, the exhibition is a special event of COMICON OFF 2026 and forms part of “Napoli Contemporanea”, curated by Vincenzo Trione, a programme that brings leading voices and languages of international contemporary art to the city.
Adding further depth to the experience is the dialogue with Castel Nuovo, one of Naples’ most iconic historical landmarks. In this encounter between medieval architecture and underground comics, Naples once again demonstrates its ability to embrace diverse artistic languages and transform its historical heritage into a vibrant space for contemporary culture.
Useful information
- When
27 May – 31 August 2026 - Where
Castel Nuovo – Maschio Angioino - Opening hours
From 27 May, 9:00 am, to 31 August, 6:00 pm.
Visitors are advised to check official channels before visiting for updated opening days and times - Admission
Paid admission - Tickets
Full price: €15
Reduced price for residents: €10
Campania Artecard: €5 or free, according to applicable conditions
Under 18s: Free - Contacts
Culture Service – Municipality of Naples
Telephone: +39 081 7955262
Email: cultura@comune.napoli.it
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