Venezuela Pavilion at Venice Biennale Remains Closed Amid Political Crisis

The Venezuela Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale has never opened, with artworks still crated outside the entrance. Designed by Carlo Scarpa in the mid-1950s, the pavilion stands abandoned, locked, and littered with debris. The closure reflects Venezuela's ongoing political and economic turmoil under Nicolás Maduro's regime, which has led to widespread shortages and emigration. Biennale sources indicate the pavilion may open around mid-May, possibly the following week. The exhibition, curated by Oscar Sottillo Meneses, features artists Natalie Rocha Capiello, Ricardo García, Gabriel López, and Nelson Rangelosky, and revolves around the metaphor of the window to highlight the country's libertarian vocation. A makeshift press conference announced an opening on May 19. This is not the first time the pavilion has faced issues; it was previously censored during the 2003 Biennale themed 'Dreams and Conflicts.' The pavilion's location in the Giardini, visible to thousands of visitors, serves as a stark reminder of Venezuela's current state.