Alexandria Biennale Returns in 2026 After 12-Year Hiatus, Curated by Moataz Nasr
After a hiatus of 12 years, the Alexandria Biennale will make its return on 18 September 2026. Established in 1955 by former president Gamal Abdel Nasser, it ranks as the third oldest biennale in the world, following the Venice Biennale and Bienal de São Paulo. Curated by Egyptian artist Moataz Nasr, who showcased Egypt at the Venice Biennale in 2017, the event will feature around 50 artists, mainly from Mediterranean nations and other areas. The theme, 'This Too Shall Pass,' aims to promote unity across the Mediterranean. Various locations in Alexandria, including the historic Fouad Street, the Qaitbay Citadel, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Alexandria Library, will host the biennale, which is organized by a committee of officials and art professionals, including Mai Eldib and Ahmed Shaboury.
Key facts
- The Alexandria Biennale returns on 18 September 2026 after a 12-year hiatus.
- It is the third oldest biennale, founded in 1955 by Gamal Abdel Nasser.
- Curator Moataz Nasr represented Egypt at the Venice Biennale in 2017.
- Around 50 artists from Mediterranean countries and other locations will participate.
- The theme is 'This Too Shall Pass'.
- Venues include Fouad Street, Qaitbay Citadel, Roman amphitheatre, and Alexandria Library.
- Events at local museums aim to involve younger Egyptian talent.
- A committee with Egyptian Ministry of Culture officials and art world figures manages the biennale, using public and private funding.
Entities
Artists
- Moataz Nasr
- Mai Eldib
- Ahmed Shaboury
- Hisham El-Khazindar
- Rasheed Kamel
- Omniya Abdel Barr
- Gamal Abdel Nasser
Institutions
- Alexandria Biennale
- Venice Biennale
- Bienal de São Paulo
- Egyptian Ministry of Culture
- Alexandria Library
- Darb1718
- Something Else
Locations
- Alexandria
- Egypt
- Fouad Street
- Qaitbay Citadel
- Roman amphitheatre
- Mediterranean
- Cairo
- Venice
- São Paulo