Biennale Arte 2026 Opens with Koyo Kouoh's Curated 'In Minor Keys'
The 61st International Art Exhibition of the Biennale di Venezia, named 'In Minor Keys,' is set to launch for the press amidst disputes regarding the Russian Pavilion and escalating tensions between President Buttafuoco and Minister Giuli. Curated by Koyo Kouoh (1967-2025) and her team, this exhibition will take place from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The Central Pavilion will present an installation by Wolff Architects, organized under the themes: Are, Processioni, Scuole. Highlights include Otobong Nkanga's installation, along with works by Issa Samb and Beverly Buchanan in the Sala Chini. The Arsenale will feature larger installations from artists like Nick Cave, Michael Joo, and Kader Attia, showcasing a total of 111 artists and a performance program.
Key facts
- 61st International Art Exhibition of the Biennale di Venezia titled 'In Minor Keys'
- Curated by Koyo Kouoh (1967-2025), completed by her team
- Runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026
- Main exhibition at Central Pavilion and Arsenale
- Features 111 artists
- Includes works by Otobong Nkanga, Issa Samb, Beverly Buchanan, Werewere Liking, Vera Tamari, Annalee Davis, Ebony G. Patterson, Wangechi Mutu, Daniel Lind-Ramos, Nick Cave, Michael Joo, Bonnie Devine, Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige, Alan Phelan, Kader Attia
- Installation design by Wolff Architects
- First-time inclusion of 'rest oases' with seating
Entities
Artists
- Koyo Kouoh
- Otobong Nkanga
- Issa Samb
- Beverly Buchanan
- Werewere Liking
- Vera Tamari
- Annalee Davis
- Ebony G. Patterson
- Wangechi Mutu
- Daniel Lind-Ramos
- Nick Cave
- Michael Joo
- Bonnie Devine
- Joana Hadjithomas
- Khalil Joreige
- Alan Phelan
- Kader Attia
- Rory Tsapayi
- Siddhartha Mitter
- Marie Hélène Pereira
- Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo
- Rasha Salti
- Toni Morrison
- Gabriel García Márquez
- John Joly
- Peggy Guggenheim
- Ai Weiwei
Institutions
- Biennale di Venezia
- Wolff Architects
- Russian Pavilion
- MUVEC
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
- Arsenale
- Central Pavilion
- Sala Chini
- L'Aquila
- Monferrato
- London
- Mestre