The Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia) is one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions, often described as the “Olympics of the art world.” Held biennially in Venice, Italy, it showcases contemporary art, architecture, and other creative disciplines through exhibitions, performances, and events. Established in 1895, the Biennale has evolved into a global platform for artists, curators, and cultural practitioners to engage with pressing themes and innovative ideas.
The Art Biennale (Biennale Arte) and the Architecture Biennale (Biennale Architettura) alternate years. Since 2022, the Art Biennale has taken place in even-numbered years (2022, 2024, 2026) and the Architecture Biennale in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027). La Biennale di Venezia also runs annual festivals for cinema, including the Venice International Film Festival, as well as dance, music and theatre.
Biennale Arte 2026: In Minor Keys
The 61st International Art Exhibition, In Minor Keys, runs from 9 May to 22 November 2026 at the Giardini, the Arsenale, Forte Marghera and other venues across Venice. It was conceived by curator Koyo Kouoh, who died in May 2025; La Biennale, with the support of her family, is presenting the exhibition as she designed it. The 2026 edition includes 100 national participations, seven of them taking part for the first time, and 31 Collateral Events around the city.
Next: Biennale Architettura 2027
The 20th International Architecture Exhibition will run from 8 May to 21 November 2027, curated by Chinese architects Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu of Amateur Architecture Studio under the title Do Architecture.
Tickets and Opening Hours (2026)
Tickets are sold online only at labiennale.org. A full-price ticket costs €30 and includes one entry to the Giardini and one to the Arsenale; reduced tickets cost €20 for visitors over 65 and Venice residents, and a 3-day ticket costs €40. From October to 22 November, opening hours are 10 am–6 pm; the exhibition is closed on Mondays except 16 November.
Recent and Upcoming Editions
| Year | Exhibition | Edition | Curator | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Art | 60th | Adriano Pedrosa – Foreigners Everywhere | 20 April – 24 November 2024 |
| 2025 | Architecture | 19th | Carlo Ratti – Intelligens | 10 May – 23 November 2025 |
| 2026 | Art | 61st | Koyo Kouoh – In Minor Keys | 9 May – 22 November 2026 |
| 2027 | Architecture | 20th | Wang Shu & Lu Wenyu – Do Architecture | 8 May – 21 November 2027 |
FAQ
1. Is the Venice Biennale every year?
La Biennale di Venezia holds events every year, but its two main exhibitions alternate. Since 2022, the Art Biennale has taken place in even-numbered years and the Architecture Biennale in odd-numbered years. The Venice Film Festival and the dance, music and theatre festivals are annual.
2. When is the Venice Biennale 2026?
The 61st Art Biennale, In Minor Keys, runs from 9 May to 22 November 2026 at the Giardini, the Arsenale and other venues around Venice. The next edition is the Architecture Biennale, from 8 May to 21 November 2027.
3. How much are Venice Biennale tickets?
For 2026, a full-price ticket costs €30 and covers one entry to the Giardini and one to the Arsenale. Reduced tickets cost €20 for visitors over 65 and Venice residents, and a 3-day ticket costs €40. Tickets are sold online only.
4. What is the official website of the Venice Biennale?
The official website is labiennale.org, run by La Biennale di Venezia. It publishes exhibition dates, programmes and visitor information, and it is the only place to buy tickets, since Biennale tickets are sold online only.
5. Where is the Venice Biennale held?
The main venues are the Giardini, home to historic national pavilions, and the Arsenale, the former shipyards. National pavilions and Collateral Events also appear across the city, and in 2026 parts of the exhibition are at Forte Marghera in Mestre.
Structure and Key Features
- National Pavilions: Located primarily in the Giardini and Arsenale areas, countries host their own pavilions, showcasing artists who represent national perspectives or themes. The pavilions are often historic buildings or purpose-built structures, each with unique architectural character.
- Central Exhibition: Curated by the Biennale’s artistic director, this exhibition features a diverse selection of international artists, often centered around a thematic concept. Recent editions have explored topics like globalism, identity, and environmental crises.
- Collateral Events: Independent exhibitions and projects, approved by the Biennale, take place across Venice, enriching the cultural landscape.
- Golden Lion Awards: Prestigious awards are given for the best national pavilion, best artist, and lifetime achievement, among others.
For more information or to plan a visit, check the official Venice Biennale website at https://www.labiennale.org.
2 Comments
Can one ticket be used for both the Giardini and the Arsenale, or do I need two? Planning to spend two days there in November.
For the 2026 Art Biennale, the standard €30 ticket includes one entry to the Giardini and one to the Arsenale. If you want more flexibility, the 3-day ticket (€40) covers three consecutive days, not counting the Monday closing. Tickets must be booked online; check current hours and conditions on the official visitor information page. You can also browse other art events and opportunities in Italy on ArtInfoland.