ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Venice Biennale 2026: Dates, Structure, and National Pavilions

festival-fair · 2026-04-20

The 61st Venice Biennale, scheduled from May 9 to November 22, 2026, with previews from May 6 to 8, represents the oldest biennial of contemporary visual art, established in 1895. Its central exhibition, titled 'In Minor Keys,' is curated under a unified framework and displayed at the Giardini and Arsenale venues. Alongside, 29 permanent national pavilions in the Giardini operate independently, with countries selecting their own artists and curatorial approaches. The event occurs biennially, bringing together global artists through its main component and national contributions.

Key facts

  • The Venice Biennale was founded in 1895.
  • The 2026 edition is the 61st Venice Biennale.
  • It runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
  • Preview days are from May 6 to 8, 2026.
  • The central exhibition is titled 'In Minor Keys.'
  • The main exhibition is held at the Giardini and Arsenale.
  • There are 29 permanent national pavilions in the Giardini.
  • National pavilions are independently organized by participating countries.

Entities

Institutions

  • Venice Biennale

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Giardini
  • Arsenale

Sources