Venice Biennale 2026: practical guide to Koyo's posthumous exhibition

Venice Biennale 2026: practical guide

Dates: 9 May – 22 November 2026

The 61st Venice International Art Exhibition, curated by Koyo Kouoh and presented posthumously, unfolds across the Giardini, the Arsenale and several collateral venues such as Forte Marghera. The exhibition emphasizes sensory experiences and themes of care, memory and collective practices.

What to see: main pavilions and installations

• Italian Pavilion (Arsenale) – "Con te con tutto" by Chiara Camoni: an installation of ceramic sculptures and natural materials exploring care and shared processes.
• Israel Pavilion (Arsenale) – "Rose of Nothingness" by Belu‑Simion Fainaru: a large‑scale installation inspired by poetic imagery, including the notion of "black milk."
• Giardini – works such as Linda Goode Bryant's "Still Life" provide contemplative moments in the outdoor route.
• Arsenale – "The Image Book" by Fabrice Aragno and other immersive installations that shape the exhibition's atmosphere.
• Forte Marghera – site‑specific pieces like Temitayo Ogunbiyi's bench‑sculptures engage with the repurposed military setting.
• Monographic sections and special projects spotlight artists like Beverly Buchanan and Issa Samb, alongside the poetic initiative "Poetry Caravan."

Curatorial context and updates

The show favors intimate, ritualistic routes combining sculpture, poetry and theater. In the days before opening, institutional changes led to the introduction of new public‑voted awards.

Practical tips for visitors

• Plan by area: split your visit over several days to cover Giardini, Arsenale and collateral venues without rushing.
• Prioritize: if time is limited, focus on the Italian Pavilion and one major Arsenale installation to grasp the Biennale's themes quickly.
• Tickets and schedules: buy tickets in advance online; many special shows have timed entries.
• Transport: travel by vaporetto and expect some walking; wear comfortable shoes for island and pavilion routes.
• Useful items: download the official map, note the works you want to see and use your smartphone for digital labels and any public voting.

Location

The Biennale takes place across several Venice sites, including Forte Marghera (V. Forte Marghera, 30, 30173 Venezia VE). Major pavilions are located in the Giardini and the Arsenale.

Why go

The Venice Biennale 2026 offers a broad overview of contemporary international art, guided by themes of care, memory and collective practices. It is valuable both for visitors seeking international developments and for those interested in site‑specific and immersive projects.