Venice Art Biennale

The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most prestigious art events, turning Venice into an international showcase for contemporary art. Founded in 1895, the Art Biennale takes place every two years and attracts artists, curators, collectors and art lovers from all over the world.

The 2026 edition of the International Art Exhibition, the 61st, will take place from Saturday 9 May to Sunday 22 November 2026 (with a preview on 6, 7 and 8 May) and is entitled “In Minor Keys”.

During the event, the city comes alive with exhibitions spread across historic venues and picturesque locations, offering an immersive experience that combines culture, architecture and creativity. Visiting the Biennale means engaging with the latest artistic trends and the visions of the leading figures on the contemporary art scene.

The first Venice International Art Exhibition was held in 1895: since then, every two years (hence the event’s name), the lagoon city has welcomed artists and visitors from all over the world for around seven months. Over the course of its long history, the event has been interrupted on only a few occasions, including its postponement in 2021 due to the pandemic.

The original venue for the exhibition is the current Central Pavilion in the Giardini, in the Castello district, which still houses the heart of the main exhibition today. Over time, the Venice Biennale has established itself as one of the most influential international platforms dedicated to contemporary art: a prime showcase for new trends and an unmissable event for professionals, collectors and enthusiasts.

The main exhibition venues of the Art Biennale are the Biennale Giardini and the Arsenale, two iconic spaces that host national pavilions and thematic exhibitions. Alongside these, numerous collateral events take place throughout Venice, in historic palaces, galleries and foundations.

Staying in the historic centre, just a short walk from the Santa Maria del Giglio and San Marco Vallaresso vaporetto stops and close to St Mark’s Square, means you can easily reach all the exhibition venues and fully experience the city’s unique atmosphere during the event.

The 61st Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition, entitled “In Minor Keys”, opens on Saturday 9 May (with a preview on 6, 7 and 8 May) and will close on Sunday 22 November 2026.

The curatorial project was conceived by Koyo Kouoh, a leading figure on the international art scene. Following her untimely death in May 2025, the Biennale decided, with the full support of her family, to stage the exhibition in its entirety in accordance with the vision she had conceived. Kouoh had, in fact, already defined every aspect of the exhibition: from the theoretical text to the selection of artists, from the catalogue to the graphic identity, right through to the architecture of the exhibition spaces.

There will be 111 participants - including artists, collectives and organisations - from a variety of geographical backgrounds. The selection reflects Kouoh’s curatorial approach, which emphasises resonances, affinities and connections between even disparate practices, giving rise to an intense and contemporary dialogue. The exhibition explores art as relationship, memory and political gesture through subdued tones, focusing on voices and narratives that are often overlooked

To get the most out of the Venice Art Biennale, we recommend planning your visit in advance and buying tickets online.

The Venice Art Biennale is not just an event, but a complete cultural experience that combines art, history and lifestyle in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Our concierge is at your disposal to help you organise your visit to the fullest, recommending personalised itineraries and exclusive tips, with moments of relaxation amongst Venice’s narrow streets and bacari.

Venice Art Biennale 2026
Dates: 9 May – 22 November 2026
Pre-opening: 6, 7, 8 May 2026

Closed on Mondays, except 11 May, 1 June, 7 September and 16 November

Summer opening hours (9 May to 27 September):
Giardini: 11am–7pm (last admission 6.45pm)
Arsenale: 11am–7pm (last admission 6.45pm); extended opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 8pm (last admission 7.45pm)

Autumn opening hours (29 September to 22 November):
Giardini and Arsenale: 10am–6pm (last admission 5.45pm)

Venues: Giardini, Arsenale and various locations in Venice