Dutch Pavilion at Venice Biennale Becomes a Fortress of Political Protest
At the 2026 Venice Biennale, the Dutch Pavilion, which was designed by Gerrit Rietveld in the '50s, has been transformed into "The Fortress" by artist Dries Verhoeven and curator Rieke Vos. This new design resembles a stronghold and now features steel shutters. It will host performances that explore themes of geopolitical instability and the Biennale's contradictions. Verhoeven mentioned that the project showcases thirteen international artists, focusing on humanity's search for stability amid chaos, incorporating raw sounds that evoke social unrest and nostalgia. Performances are scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday at noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM, with the pavilion closed on Tuesdays. This marks the Netherlands' first performance at the Biennale, utilizing the Rietveld Pavilion for a Dutch initiative. Notable performers include Jennie Bergsli, Melyn Chow, and others.
Key facts
- The Dutch Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale is transformed into a fortress-like installation titled 'The Fortress'.
- Artist Dries Verhoeven and curator Rieke Vos are behind the project.
- The pavilion was designed by Gerrit Rietveld and built in the 1950s.
- The installation features steel shutters that darken the interior.
- Performances run Wednesday to Sunday at the start of each hour from 12 to 17.
- On Tuesdays, the pavilion is presented as a closed sculptural object.
- Thirteen international performers are involved, including Jennie Bergsli, Melyn Chow, and others.
- This is the first time the Netherlands has presented a performance at the Venice Biennale.
Entities
Artists
- Dries Verhoeven
- Rieke Vos
- Jennie Bergsli
- Melyn Chow
- Maarten Heijnens
- Jana Jacuka
- Dengling Levine
- Diane Mahín
- Maya Mertens
- Marlen Pflüger
- Marie Popall
- Lisen Pousette
- Olivia Rivière
- Harald Stojan
- Misty Superdeluxe
- Gerrit Rietveld
- Eelco van der Lingen
Institutions
- Dutch Pavilion
- Venice Biennale
- Rietveld Pavilion
- Artribune
- Mondriaan Fund
- Biennial Foundation
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
- Giardini della Biennale
- Netherlands