Venice Biennale Arte 2026: 4 pavilions to see and practical tips

Venice Biennale Arte 2026: dates and location

The 61st International Art Exhibition runs in Venice from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The main venues are the Giardini and the Arsenale; plan your route in advance to move smoothly between the two sites.

Recommended pavilions

• Belgium Pavilion (Giardini) – Participatory installation by Miet Warlop titled IT NEVER SSST. The work blends stage design and performance, inviting visitors to join collective dance moments for a sensory, social experience.
• Lebanon Pavilion (Arsenale) – Don’t Get Me Wrong by Nabil Nahas, curated by Nada Ghandour. A 45-meter frieze composed of panels that recall Persian miniatures, creating an immersive dialogue between nature, cosmos and geometric abstraction.
• Sierra Leone Pavilion – Making its official debut with Mondi Presenti, a group exhibition exploring identity through multiple artistic languages. Curated by Sandro Orlandi Stagl and Willy Montini.
• Italy Pavilion – Con te con tutto by Chiara Camoni, curated by Cecilia Canziani. The installation arranges 24 terracotta and ceramic figures into a contemplative “forest” atmosphere that encourages slow looking.

Practical tips for visitors

• Time needed: allow at least half a day to visit both Giardini and Arsenale; a full day is preferable for a more in-depth experience.
• Live events and participation: several works include scheduled performances or participatory moments—check the official program to catch them.
• Plan ahead: buy tickets online when available and study maps to minimize transit times between venues.
• Research: note the names of artists and curators on display to follow recurring themes and further explore the works that interest you.

Location

Main address: Calle Larga Rosa, 77, 30122 Venice. Allow time for travel between the Giardini and the Arsenale and consult local maps for precise directions.