Venice Biennale 2026: Controversies and Must-See Shows
The 61st Venice Biennale, opening May 9, 2026, is marked by controversies including the cancellation and reinstatement of Australia's representative Khaled Sabsabi, calls to bar Israel, criticism over Russia's participation, and mounting voices to exclude the U.S. due to President Donald Trump's actions in Iran. Despite the political tensions, the city hosts numerous exhibitions away from the Giardini. Artists like Lorna Simpson and Marina Abramović return to Venice, while others debut solo shows. Large spaces across the city celebrate Black and Indigenous artists for the first time. Marina Abramović's 'Transforming Energy' runs May 6–Oct. 19 at Gallerie dell'Accademia.
Key facts
- 61st Venice Biennale opens May 9, 2026
- Australia's representative Khaled Sabsabi was cancelled then reinstated
- Calls to bar Israel from participating
- Russia's participation criticized
- Voices mount to exclude the U.S. due to Trump's Iran policy
- Marina Abramović exhibition 'Transforming Energy' at Gallerie dell'Accademia, May 6–Oct. 19
- Lorna Simpson returns to Venice
- Large spaces celebrate Black and Indigenous artists for the first time
Entities
Artists
- Khaled Sabsabi
- Lorna Simpson
- Marina Abramović
Institutions
- Gallerie dell'Accademia
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
Sources
- Artsy —