Biennale di Venezia’s Historical Archive Moves to Arsenale, Opens 2027

The Biennale di Venezia's Historical Archive of Contemporary Arts (ASAC) has moved to the Magazzino del Ferro in the Arsenale, next to the Corderie, for the 61st International Art Exhibition, which is curated by Koyo Kouoh. Previously located at the Cygnus pavilion in Porto Marghera since the 2000s, the archive has been documenting activities since 1895. The Ministry of Culture has allocated €38 million for the project, which encompasses the restoration of five historic buildings within an 8,000-square-meter area. Led by architect Arianna Laurenzi, work commenced in March 2024. The archive aims to increase storage to 8,000 linear meters and digitize its collections. A public activation program is scheduled for June 1 to 3, with the full relocation anticipated by November 2026 and completion expected by February 2027.