As the prefix “Bi-” suggests, the Biennale—the art exhibition here in Venice—takes place only once every two years. The next Biennale will be in 2028. It alternates with the Architecture Biennale, which also takes place every two years. The next Architecture Biennale will be held in 2027.
The Venice Architecture Biennale (Biennale Architettura) is the most important international event for contemporary architecture. Founded in 1980, it offers architects, designers, and artists from around the world a platform to present their visions and ideas to the public. This Architecture Biennale serves both as an exhibition platform and as an international forum for discussions on current topics in architecture and urban development.
Date
The Architecture Biennale will take place from May 8 to November 21, 2027.
Hours of Operation
From 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Last admission: 6:45 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Location
Giardini / Arsenale
Architecture Biennale eBook available for download:
https://static.labiennale.org/files/architettura/Documenti/accessibilita-2025.pdf
Official website:
https://www.labiennale.org/en
2027 Architecture Biennale
Main Exhibition
The main exhibition is organized by a curator who selects a theme that often addresses global and socially relevant issues in architecture. This exhibition takes place at the Arsenale and the Giardini (garden area), two of Venice’s historic and iconic exhibition venues. Projects from around the world are presented here, often through innovative installations, models, and multimedia approaches.
National Pavilions
In the Giardini and at other locations in Venice, individual countries have their own pavilions where they showcase architectural projects by their architects and designers. These pavilions offer a deeper insight into each country’s architectural traditions and innovations.
Golden Lion for Best Participation
As with the Art Biennale, the Architecture Biennale also features awards. The Golden Lion is awarded to the best national participation or the best contribution to the main exhibition. Other prizes are also awarded to outstanding projects, including the Silver Lion for young talent and innovative approaches.
Themes and Curatorial Concepts
Each year, the Architecture Biennale is organized by a selected curator around a specific theme. These themes often address global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, new technologies, and sustainable architecture. The themes serve as a guide for the exhibited works and foster a dialogue about the role of architecture in society.
Events and Discussions
The Biennale offers not only exhibitions but also an extensive program of events, including lectures, discussions, and workshops, in which architects, urban planners, researchers, and students can participate. These events are often a crucial part of the international dialogue in architecture.
The Places:
Arsenals
A former shipyard site that offers large exhibition spaces and frequently hosts the main exhibition.
Biennale Gardens
A sprawling park that is home to most of the national pavilions.
Examples from recent biennials:
2021
„How will we live together?“ (Curator: Hashim Sarkis) – This Biennale explored issues of social and physical infrastructure and the ways in which people can live, work, and reside together.
2018
„Freespace“ (Curators: Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara) – A theme that emphasizes both the value of „freedom“ and „space“ in architecture.
The Venice Architecture Biennale is therefore a must-see for anyone who wants to learn about the latest trends and challenges in architecture. Here, architecture is not only showcased but also intensely discussed and explored in depth.
Location of the Biennale
The Biennale is located in the Giardini of Venice. The Line 1 vaporetto has a terminal here. It's about a 20-minute walk from St. Mark's Square.
Of course, a private water taxi (pictured) can also take you to the Biennale grounds.
Art Biennale
The Venice Biennale (in Italian: Biennale di Venezia) is the oldest and most prestigious international art and culture festival in the world. It was founded in 1895 and takes place every two years. The Biennale serves as a platform for contemporary art, architecture, and other creative disciplines.
The most important event of the Biennale is, of course, the International Art Exhibition. It is a vast collection of contemporary artworks from around the world, displayed in various pavilions and exhibition spaces throughout Venice. The exhibition is curated each year around a different theme or topic, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new art movements and ideas.
National Pavilions
Each country has the opportunity to have its own pavilion, which is often located in the Giardini (garden area) or in other historic buildings in Venice. These pavilions showcase works of art by artists from the respective country, and the works are selected by a national curator or institution.
Golden Lion
The Golden Lion is the Biennale's most prestigious award and is presented to the best national pavilion or the most outstanding artistic achievement. There is also the Silver Lion, which is awarded to young artists or for exceptional artistic concepts.
2026 Biennale
The 61st International Art Biennale is titled „In Minor Keys“ and follows the curatorial concept developed by Koyo Kouoh. She passed away in May 2025, but her team is carrying out the project in accordance with her vision. Kouoh was thus the first African woman to have taken on this important role.
Date
The 2026 Biennale will take place from May 9 to November 22, 2026 will take place. The previews are on May 6, 7, and 8. The exhibitions will be on display at the Giardini, the Arsenale, and other venues in Venice.
Hours of Operation
May through September: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (last admission at 6:45 p.m.).
On Fridays and Saturdays, hours are extended until 8:00 p.m. at the Arsenale (last admission at 7:45 p.m.).
October through November 22: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:45 p.m.).
Closed on Mondays, except May 11 and November 16.
National Pavilions:
As usual, countries are presenting their own exhibitions at the Giardini, the Arsenale, and in the historic center.
Side Events:
Curated, complementary events are taking place throughout Venice. Applications are open only to institutions; the deadline was September 19, 2025.