Don't-miss exhibitions in Venice during the 61st Venice Art Biennale

Don't-miss exhibitions in Venice during the 61st Venice Art Biennale

With the public opening of the 61st International Art Exhibition, Venice becomes a hub for contemporary art. In addition to the official pavilions, galleries, foundations and new exhibition spaces present noteworthy shows: here is a concise selection to plan your visit.

Highlighted events and exhibitions

• 61st Venice Biennale — public opening: 9 May 2026 – 22 November 2026.
• Alighiero Boetti (SMAC Venice) — retrospective curated by Elena Geuna: 7 May 2026 – 22 November 2026. A survey of over twenty-five years of work, including Biro pieces, embroideries and Maps.
• Tony Cragg (Ca' Tron / Fondazione Berengo) — 5 May 2026 – 22 November 2026. Glass sculptures made in Murano alongside wood and stone works exploring material and form.
• Patrick Saytour (Palazzo Vendramin Grimani) — 18 April 2026 – 22 November 2026. Exhibition focused on the theme of the fold, creating a dialogue between contemporary textiles and historic architecture.
• MUVEC – Casa delle Contemporaneità (Mestre) — a new two-floor space with a permanent collection and temporary shows around the themes Reconstruction, Construction, Deconstruction.

Practical tips for visiting

• Book ahead: many exhibitions require reservations or have queues at the entrance during the Biennale.
• Check opening times on official venue pages for special closures and ticket information.
• Plan thematic routes: group visits by area (San Marco, Castello, Dorsoduro) to save travel time and make the most of vaporetto connections.
• Opt for less crowded days: weekends tend to be the busiest at main venues and in the city.

Where to find key locations

Main reference location: C9H4+FX, Calle Giazzo, 30122 Venice VE, Italy (coordinates: 45.4276135, 12.3583747). Always consult the official page of each exhibition for exact opening hours and ticket details.

Plan your itinerary by selecting the shows you prefer and allowing sufficient travel time between venues.