Since 1895, Venice has been the host city for La Biennale , one of the largest and most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions in the world. By name, La Biennale is supposed to happen every two years. However, as the exhibition has grown over the years to include dance, music, theater, and more, the timing of La Biennale has become quite elastic, although the main art exhibition still takes place every two years.
What is the Venice Biennale Art Expo?
The main part of the Venice Biennale, the forum that shows contemporary works by artists from around the world, takes place from June to November every two years in odd-numbered years. The main site of the Biennale is the Giardini Pubblici (the Public Gardens), where permanent pavilions for more than 30 countries have been installed for the occasion. Other exhibitions, performances and installations associated with the Biennale art show also take place in the city in various art spaces, museums and galleries.
In addition to the art exhibition, the Biennale’s umbrella includes a dance series, a children’s carnival (usually in February), a contemporary music festival, a theater festival and the Venice International Film Festival, which is held in September at the Lido of Venice. The film festival, founded in 1932, is the oldest international film festival in the world and attracts many famous actors, directors and other members of the film industry. So if you are in Venice in September, keep an eye out for celebrities.
Since 1980, the Biennale has added the world of architectural design to its repertoire. The Architecture Biennale is held every two years in even-numbered years and has become very popular. So you are likely to encounter some kind of Biennale event at almost any time of the year.
Where to see works of art from the Biennale
If you visit Venice when La Biennale is not in session, you can still see many of the works that have been featured in past exhibitions. Visit the Palazzo Corner della Ca ‘Grande, where you can see displays of past exhibitions and catalogs from the Biennale. Additionally, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in a large villa in the Dorsoduro district, contains a treasure trove of contemporary art by many artists that have been featured at previous biennials.
Visit information of the Venice Art Biennale
The Public Gardens, where the main exhibition is held, are located on Viale Trento, in the eastern part of the city called the Castello district, where you will also find the Museum of Naval History and Arsenale. There are two vaporetto stops, Giardini and Giardini Biennale . The Public Gardens were originally created by Napoleon, who drained the marshes to create the park and has hosted the Biennale since 1895.
Tickets are required to enter the main exhibition and passes for more than one day or event are also available. Some events, exhibitions, and venues also require the purchase of a ticket, but some free events and exhibits are also held.
This article has been edited and updated by Martha Bakerjian.
