Top 6 Venice Biennale Shows Recommended by NYT Critics
The New York Times critics Jason Farago, Blake Gopnik, and Aruna D'Souza have curated a list of six must-see shows during the 2026 Venice Biennale, which runs from May 9 to November 22. Among the highlights is "Helter Skelter" at Fondazione Prada, a two-artist exhibition featuring Richard Prince and Arthur Jafa, curated by Nancy Spector. The show explores appropriation in art, revealing both similarities and profound differences between the two artists. The Biennale transforms Venice into a city-wide art event, with public museums, private foundations, and foreign galleries mounting exhibitions. Even the Accademia, known for its Old Master collection, hosts a performance by Marina Abramović.
Key facts
- Venice Biennale opens to the public Saturday and runs through Nov. 22.
- NYT critics Jason Farago, Blake Gopnik, and Aruna D'Souza selected six shows.
- "Helter Skelter" at Fondazione Prada features Richard Prince and Arthur Jafa.
- The exhibition is curated by Nancy Spector for the Prada Foundation.
- Prince and Jafa are described as 'appropriators' of popular culture.
- The Accademia hosts Marina Abramović during the Biennale.
- Private foundations and foreign galleries participate in the city-wide event.
- The article was published on May 9, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Marina Abramović
- Arthur Jafa
- Richard Prince
- Nancy Spector
Institutions
- Fondazione Prada
- Prada Foundation
- Accademia
- The New York Times
Locations
- Venice
- Italy