Iran Withdraws from 2026 Venice Biennale Days Before Opening
Iran has cancelled its participation in the 61st Venice Biennale, "In Minor Keys," just days before the 9 May opening, as announced on 4 May. No reason was given. Iran had not disclosed details about its artist or pavilion, only naming Aydin Mahdizadeh Tehrani as commissioner. The cancellation coincides with rising Middle East tensions, jeopardizing a US-Iran ceasefire since 8 April. Both nations claimed naval attacks, with President Trump warning Iran against targeting US ships. An anonymous source noted logistical challenges and Iran's low-key Biennale presence since 2015. The Biennale's jury resigned over Israel and Russia's participation, leading to a popular vote for the Golden Lion prizes, with the ceremony postponed to November.
Key facts
- Iran cancelled its participation in the 61st Venice Biennale days before the 9 May opening.
- The Biennale organisers announced the cancellation on 4 May without providing a reason.
- Iran had not announced any artist or pavilion details; only commissioner Aydin Mahdizadeh Tehrani was listed.
- Tensions in the Middle East are rising, threatening a US-Iran ceasefire in place since 8 April.
- Both the US and Iran claimed to have attacked each other's naval fleets on 4 May.
- President Donald Trump warned Iran would be 'blown off the face of the earth' if it targeted US ships.
- An anonymous source cited political and economic crisis and logistical difficulties as reasons for the cancellation.
- Iran's participation since 2015 has been low-key and not reflective of its independent art scene.
- Iran debuted at the Biennale in 1956, returned in 2003, and participated consistently since 2015.
- The Biennale's prize jury resigned last week over a dispute about Israel and Russia's participation.
- Golden Lion prizes will now be decided by popular vote, with the ceremony moved to November.
Entities
Artists
- Koyo Kouoh
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance (MCIG)
- Tehran's Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Art Newspaper
- Fox News
- Bienal de Veneza
- Labiennale.org
- Dasartes
Locations
- Iran
- Venice
- Italy
- Middle East
- United States
- Russia
- Israel
- Giardini
- Arsenale
- Irã
- Veneza
- Itália