Venice Biennale Arte 2026: what to see today (7 May 2026) — a practical

Venice Biennale Arte 2026: recommended route for 7 May

If you’re in Venice for the 61st International Art Exhibition, here’s a compact itinerary to make the most of 7 May 2026. The route focuses on institutional shows, special openings and independent spaces across San Marco, Cannaregio and San Polo.

Where to start

Begin in San Marco, close to Palazzo Grassi — a convenient base to reach several key venues along the Grand Canal on foot.

Highlights to visit

• Fondazione Giancarlo Ligabue — the permanent route that blends paleontology, archaeology and art, connecting artifacts and works from various traditions.
• Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa — the group show Picasso, Morandi, Parmiggiani. Still Lifes and special openings of the Atelier 2025-2026 residency studios, offering direct access to young artists’ workspaces.
• SMAC – San Marco Art Centre — an Alighiero Boetti retrospective and an upcoming Lee Ufan solo exhibition, tracing major developments in their practices.
• Fondazione In Between Art Film — film and video programs engaging contemporary international practices.
• Fondazione Güneştekin, Palazzo Manfrin – Anish Kapoor Foundation and Ca’ Pesaro — institutions that enrich the Cannaregio–San Polo circuit with significant solo and group presentations.
• 108th Young Artists Group Exhibition — a curated platform to discover emerging contemporary artists and new lines of research.

Practical tips

• Check opening times for each venue in advance: special studio openings and preview events may run on limited schedules.
• Prefer walking or vaporetto connections within the historic center to save time between stops.
• For a complete map of collateral initiatives and independent venues, consult the special issue distributed at the Giardini and the Arsenale or available online.

This one-day route balances institutional highlights, independent projects and young artist residencies. Enjoy your visit and keep an eye on daily updates to the event program during the Biennale.