Russia's 2026 Venice Biennale Pavilion Closed to Public, Plus Other Art News
The 2026 Venice Biennale's Russian Pavilion will remain largely inaccessible to the public from May 9 to November 22, allowing only a limited preview for press and invited guests. This decision stems from international sanctions and the controversy surrounding Russia's participation following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Attendees will view the pavilion's project, 'The Tree Is Rooted in the Sky,' through video displays on external screens. In other news, Matthieu Blazy unveiled his inaugural Chanel cruise collection in Biarritz, where Gabrielle Chanel established her first couture house in 1915, merging heritage with beach-themed designs. Additionally, San Francisco appointed Matthew Goudeau as its inaugural executive director of arts and culture, while the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art secured a $490 million construction grant from Diriyah Company.
Key facts
- Russian Pavilion at 2026 Venice Biennale closed to public except preview period.
- Pavilion project titled 'The Tree Is Rooted in the Sky' shown via video documentation.
- Matthieu Blazy debuted first Chanel cruise collection in Biarritz.
- San Francisco appointed Matthew Goudeau as first executive director of arts and culture.
- Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art received $490 million grant from Diriyah Company.
- Museum designed by Godwin Austen Johnson, 883,000 square feet.
- Online auction sales grew 8% in 2025 to $423.9 million.
- Russell Sage Studio designed Coco Chanel-inspired room at The Fife Arms.
- New Museum spring gala attended by Chloë Sevigny, John Waters, Barbara Kruger, Judy Chicago.
- Ferrari announced Hypersail sailboat.
- New York City redesigned compost bin.
Entities
Artists
- Matthieu Blazy
- Gabrielle Chanel
- Coco Chanel
- Chloë Sevigny
- John Waters
- Barbara Kruger
- Judy Chicago
- Russell Sage
- Matthew Goudeau
- Mohammed bin Salman
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Chanel
- San Francisco Arts Commission
- San Francisco Grants for the Arts
- San Francisco Film Commission
- Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Diriyah Company
- Godwin Austen Johnson
- Christie's
- Sotheby's
- Phillips
- Bonhams
- Artnet Auctions
- The Fife Arms
- New Museum
- Ferrari
- Tate Britain
- Dataland
- Art Basel
- Venice Biennale (again)
- Eames Pavilion
- Apple
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Artsy
- Artnet
- Art Dubai
- Fondazione Dries Van Noten
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Biarritz
- France
- San Francisco
- United States
- Saudi Arabia
- Diriyah
- Riyadh
- New York City