Venice Art Biennale 2026: 'In Minor Keys' opens the 61st Exhibition

The Venice Art Biennale 2026 turns the city into an extensive exhibition route: the 61st International Art Exhibition is open to the public from 9 May to 22 November 2026. The curatorial project In Minor Keys, conceived by Koyo Kouoh, focuses on more intimate and concentrated readings of the present through works and site-specific projects across the city.

Main venues include the Giardini and the Arsenale, complemented by displays in Venice’s historic center and at Forte Marghera, creating an itinerary that extends beyond traditional exhibition sites.

What to see and how to plan your visit

The curatorial line highlights lateral perspectives and underrepresented stories. To get the most from the Biennale, plan several days to visit main pavilions, collateral events and smaller venues at a relaxed pace.

• Dates: 9 May – 22 November 2026.
• Venues: Giardini, Arsenale, Venice historic center and Forte Marghera.
• Suggested duration: allow multiple days to explore fully.
• Itineraries: mix main pavilions with temporary shows and minor spaces for a fuller picture.
• Accessibility: check services and access rules in advance, as sites are spread across the city.

Why visit

This edition reaffirms Venice’s role in contemporary art debates: the curatorial approach encourages attentive listening and complexity, presenting works that invite critical reflection on identity, memory and social change.

Location

Forte Marghera, V. Forte Marghera, 30, 30173 Venice VE, Italy. Activities are also located at the Giardini, Arsenale and various venues across the historic center.