XV Florence Biennale Explores Light and Darkness Dualism
Scheduled to take place from October 18 to 26, 2025, the XV Florence Biennale will be held at Fortezza da Basso, with the High Patronage of the European Parliament, the Tuscany Region, and the City of Florence. The event's theme is 'The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness,' featuring approximately 1,500 artworks by over 550 artists from 85 nations. Tim Burton will unveil 'Tim Burton: Light and Darkness,' curated by Sarah Brown, and will be honored with the Premio Lorenzo il Magnifico. On October 23, Patricia Urquiola will receive the Premio Internazionale Leonardo da Vinci and present 'Transitions.' Notable guests include Nicole Albagli Iruretagoyena and Gabriel Isak, while special projects and educational collaborations with universities in Pisa, Siena, and LABA will also be featured. Film premieres such as 'Milk Teeth' and 'Playing God' are on the agenda, alongside commemorative awards for Oliviero Leonardi, Marcelo Mayorga, and Mario Pachioli, with workshops dedicated to light and shadow and Design Days emphasizing Italian creativity and manufacturing.
Key facts
- XV Florence Biennale runs October 18–26, 2025 at Fortezza da Basso, Florence.
- Theme: 'The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness. Concepts of Dualism and Unity in Contemporary Art and Design.'
- Over 550 artists and designers from 85 countries present about 1,500 works.
- Tim Burton exhibition 'Tim Burton: Light and Darkness' curated by Sarah Brown.
- Tim Burton receives Premio Lorenzo il Magnifico alla Carriera.
- Patricia Urquiola receives Premio Internazionale Leonardo da Vinci alla Carriera (Design) on October 23.
- Patricia Urquiola presents installation 'Transitions'.
- Seven Guests of Honour include Nicole Albagli Iruretagoyena, Gabriel Isak, Emily Young.
- Special projects: 'Art Comes Before' (Manfredo Pinzauti), 'Trame' (Silvia Fanticelli), circular economy (Revet, R3Direct, WASP).
- Educational collaborations with universities in Pisa, Siena, LABA.
- Exhibition 'Florent in Auro. Gioielli per la Rosa D’Oro di Pio II' curated by Paolo Torriti.
- Film premieres: 'Milk Teeth – Essere bambine in Afghanistan' (Amin Meerzad), 'Playing God' (Matteo Buriani).
- Live performance 'Omaggio a John Cage' by Sergio Maltagliati.
- Commemorative awards for Oliviero Leonardi, Marcelo Mayorga, Mario Pachioli.
- Workshops by Laura Izzi (light/shadow) and Liku Maria Takahashi (tactile for visually impaired).
- Design Days curated by Gabriele Goretti.
Entities
Artists
- Tim Burton
- Patricia Urquiola
- Nicole Albagli Iruretagoyena
- Gabriel Isak
- Emily Young
- Manfredo Pinzauti
- Sergio Maltagliati
- Amin Meerzad
- Matteo Buriani
- Oliviero Leonardi
- Marcelo Mayorga
- Mario Pachioli
- Laura Izzi
- Liku Maria Takahashi
- Gabriele Goretti
Institutions
- Florence Biennale
- European Parliament
- Tuscany Region
- City of Florence
- Fortezza da Basso
- Marie Claire Maison
- Revet
- R3Direct
- WASP
- University of Pisa
- University of Siena
- LABA
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Fortezza da Basso
- Burbank
- Oviedo
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- Chile
- Afghanistan