Biennale Archive Moves to Arsenale in Venice
La Biennale di Venezia has officially opened its Historical Archive at the Arsenale, occupying 8,000 square meters across five restored structures in Arsenale Sud. This archive holds documentation dating back to the inaugural International Art Exhibition in 1895. The International Centre for Research on Contemporary Arts, founded in 2021, will complement the new facility. The opening was celebrated with a three-day series of performances and lectures. Upcoming events include the 20th Architecture Exhibition, curated by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, scheduled for May 2027, and the 61st Art Exhibition In Minor Keys, running until November 22, 2026.
Key facts
- La Biennale di Venezia inaugurated new home for Historical Archive at the Arsenale.
- The facility occupies 8,000 square meters in five restored buildings at Arsenale Sud.
- The archive preserves documentation since the first International Art Exhibition in 1895.
- The International Centre for Research on Contemporary Arts was established in 2021.
- A three-day program of performances, lectures, and visits marked the opening.
- The Central Pavilion at Giardini was renovated in early 2026.
- 20th Architecture Exhibition curated by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu opens May 2027.
- 61st Art Exhibition In Minor Keys runs through November 22, 2026.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Historical Archive of Contemporary Arts (ASAC)
- International Centre for Research on Contemporary Arts
- Biennale Library
- Biennale College
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Arsenale
- Arsenale Sud
- Corderie
- Officine e Magazzini del Ferro
- Giardini
- Central Pavilion
- Porto Marghera