Austria to Share Venice Architecture Biennale Pavilion with Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2027
Austria will showcase the innovative project "Koncesija" at the upcoming 20th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, scheduled from May 8 to November 21, 2027. Curated by Adna and Ajna Babahmetović along with Sebastian Höglinger, the initiative offers Bosnia and Herzegovina a temporary national pavilion, filling a notable gap. A highlight is the recreated lobby of Sarajevo's Holiday Inn, originally designed by Ivan Štraus for the 1984 Winter Olympics, within the pavilion crafted by Josef Hoffmann. The exhibition will feature discussions, screenings, workshops, and a proposition for Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the 2029 Biennale.
Key facts
- Austria's 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale pavilion is titled Koncesija / Konzession / Concession(e).
- The project temporarily grants the Austrian Pavilion to Bosnia and Herzegovina via a cooperative concession.
- Curated by Adna Babahmetović, Ajna Babahmetović, and Sebastian Höglinger.
- The installation reconstructs the lobby of Sarajevo's Hotel Holiday Inn, designed by Ivan Štraus for the 1984 Winter Olympics.
- The pavilion building was designed by Josef Hoffmann and inaugurated in 1934.
- A public program includes film screenings, workshops, and a Biennale Participation Request for Bosnia and Herzegovina's 2029 participation.
- The 20th International Architecture Exhibition runs from May 8 to November 21, 2027.
- The Biennale is curated by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu under the theme Do Architecture — For the Possibility of Coexistence Facing a Real Reality.
Entities
Artists
- Adna Babahmetović
- Ajna Babahmetović
- Sebastian Höglinger
- Ivan Štraus
- Josef Hoffmann
- Wang Shu
- Lu Wenyu
- Sabine Pollak
- Michael Obrist
- Lorenzo Romito
Institutions
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Austrian Pavilion
- Adna i Ajna
- Diagonale – Festival of Austrian Film
- ArchDaily
Locations
- Austria
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Venice
- Italy
- Sarajevo
- Giardini