Italian Culture Minister Giuli to Boycott 2026 Venice Biennale Opening Amid Russia Pavilion Controversy

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli announced he will skip both the pre-opening and the inauguration ceremony of the 61st Venice Biennale on May 9, 2026, escalating a political crisis. The boycott follows Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco's decision to allow the Russian pavilion to reopen after its closure since 2022, which Giuli opposed. Tensions rose during the Italian Pavilion press conference, where Giuli gave a harsh speech and Buttafuoco avoided questions. The European Commission cut €2 million in funding on April 23, 2026, and 22 European countries signed a letter pressuring the institution. The Biennale's international jury, led by Solange Oliveira Farkas, then excluded Russia and Israel from award consideration due to ICC accusations against their leaders. Giuli's absence means he will not represent Italy even at the Italian Pavilion, creating a paradoxical situation where the culture minister abandons the country's premier cultural event amid intense geopolitical debate.