Venice Biennale Arte 2026: practical guide to the posthumous exhibition

Biennale Arte 2026: key information

From May 9 to November 22, 2026, Venice hosts the 61st International Art Exhibition. Conceived by curator Koyo Kouoh and presented posthumously, the exhibition spans the Giardini, the Arsenale and satellite venues including Forte Marghera.

What to see: highlights and pavilions

• Italian Pavilion (Arsenale) – "Con te con tutto" by Chiara Camoni, featuring ceramic figures and natural materials that reflect care, shared processes and relational practices.
• Israel Pavilion (Arsenale) – "Rose of Nothingness" by Belu‑Simion Fainaru: a large‑scale installation inspired by the poetical notion of "black milk".
• Major projects include Still Life by Linda Goode Bryant in the Giardini, The Image Book by Fabrice Aragno at the Arsenale, and Temitayo Ogunbiyi’s bench‑sculptures at Forte Marghera.
• Dedicated rooms present artists such as Beverly Buchanan and Issa Samb, blending sculpture, poetry and theatre, alongside the poetic Poetry Caravan.

Curatorial context and updates

The exhibition follows an intimate, sensory programme focused on rituals, gardens and thresholds. In the run‑up to the opening, institutional tensions led to changes in prize management: the Foundation introduced new audience‑voted awards, the Visitor Lions.

Practical tips for visitors

• Plan your days: splitting the visit over several days helps to cover Giardini, Arsenale and satellite sites without rushing.
• Prioritise: with limited time, focus on the Italian Pavilion and one major Arsenale installation to grasp the exhibition’s tone.
• Tickets & schedules: buy tickets in advance and check opening hours; some special works have timed access.
• Transport: use vaporetto services and be prepared to walk between venues; comfortable shoes recommended.
• Bring: a Biennale map, notes on works and a smartphone for digital labels and any public voting.

Why visit

The Biennale Arte 2026 presents a broad snapshot of contemporary practice with an emphasis on care, memory and collective processes. It’s recommended for international art seekers and visitors interested in immersive, site‑specific projects.