Major 2026 Art Biennials Feature Smaller Scales and Institutional Curators

In 2026, numerous recurring art exhibitions known as biennials, triennials, and quinquennials are taking place globally. Key events include the Venice Biennale opening May 9 under late curator Koyo Kouoh's vision, the Whitney Biennial in New York running through August 23 curated by Marcela Guerrero and Drew Sawyer with 56 participants, MoMA PS1's Greater New York from April 16 to August 17 featuring 53 artists, the Carnegie International in Pittsburgh from May 2 to January 2027 with 61 creators, and the Toronto Biennial of Art from September 26 to December 20 organized by Allison Glenn. Many of these shows are more compact than previous editions, often curated by museum staff rather than external figures, and frequently lack overarching themes. These exhibitions serve as indicators of contemporary art trends and collaborative practices.