Qatar to build permanent Venice Biennale pavilion in Giardini

Qatar is planning to establish a permanent pavilion at the Venice Biennale, situated in the Giardini next to the Bookshop Pavilion, joining 30 other nations that have their own spaces. In the last half-century, Australia and South Korea were the only countries to open new pavilions, in 1988 and 1995 respectively. This initiative follows a cooperation agreement signed in June 2024 between Qatar Museums and the Municipality of Venice to boost cultural and economic ties. Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, president of La Biennale di Venezia, commended Qatar's role in promoting creativity globally. The pavilion will debut in May 2025 at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, showcasing 'Community Centre' by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani announced on April 8 that Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh would lead the design, selected from nine candidates after a 20-week process. Ghotmeh, who studied in Beirut and Paris, is known for notable projects like the 22nd Serpentine Pavilion and the Estonian National Museum.