Venice Biennale 2026 opening dates

Hey travellers, welcome to this guide by Venice Insider Guide.

Planning a trip to Venice in 2026 and want to experience the city at its most vibrant, intellectual and international? Then you've come to the right place. In this guide you'll find all the info on Venice Biennale 2026 opening dates, explained in clear, detailed and up-to-date language, with cultural context, practical tips and useful details to make the most of your experience.

(Note from Venice Insider Guide: many people visit Venice "during the Biennale" without knowing which Biennale is on. Here we avoid that confusion.)

Discover the essentials of the Biennale by Venice Insider Guide.

What are the opening dates for the Venice Biennale 2026?

The Venice Biennale is not one event, but a cultural melting pot that runs all year long and transforms the city into a global laboratory of art, theatre, dance, cinema and music. Each sector has its own times, places and audiences.

Knowing the ins and outs makes all the difference between a normal visit and a truly unforgettable trip.

What is the Venice Biennale and why is it the heart of the global cultural calendar

The Venice Biennale is one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions in the world, founded in 1895. Today it's officially known as an international cultural organisation of major importance, with self-contained events that are carefully coordinated.

Each sector of the Biennale:

has its own artistic director
follows its own official calendar
uses historic and modern venues across the city

(Bonus fact: Venice is one of the only cities in the world where a cultural event truly re-maps the urban landscape, opening up normally closed palaces to the public.)

Venice Art Biennale 2026 opening dates: 09.05 – 22.11

Now, let's get to the opening date of the Venice Art Biennale 2026, which is the crowning jewel of the Biennale.

The Arts Biennale is the most famous and most-attended event of the entire Biennale. In 2026, it's scheduled to run from the 9th of May to the 22nd of November, taking in spring, summer and autumn.

What can you expect from the Venice Art Biennale 2026

International show curated by a world-famous artistic director
National presentations in the Giardini Exhibitions, the Arsenale, and scattered throughout the city
Themes relating to the here-and-now, politics, tech, ecology, identity

(Bonus fact: many national pavilions are hosted in historic palaces that are normally off-limits to visitors.)

When to visit: practical tips

Opening week (9–15 May): the hype is on, exclusive events, and the city is buzzing
June and September: the perfect balance of weather, attendance and cultural offerings
October-November: a truly intimate experience, great for those who like to take their time

Venice Theatre Biennale 2026 opening dates: 7 – 21.06

When is the Venice Theatre Biennale 2026 open?

The Venice Theatre Biennale 2026 is set to kick off from the 7th of June right through to the 21st, transforming Venice into a vibrant global stage for contemporary theatre and drama.

What makes this Theatre Festival so special

You'll witness world premieres and site-specific performances that are really one of a kind.
It's all about nurturing talent too - workshops, masterclasses and artistic residencies are a big part of the festival.
And the venues? Forget the usual theatre spaces - this time it's old shipyards, cloisters and historic theatres.

(Bonus info: many of the performances are created especially for Venice and are never repeated elsewhere - you won't see these shows anywhere else in the world!)

Who is this Theatre Biennale best for

People who are deeply passionate about the arts
Professionals in the entertainment industry
Anyone looking for an experience that's a little off the beaten track

Venice Biennale Dance 2026 opening dates: 17.07 – 1.08

The Venice Biennale Dance 2026 is happening from the 17th of July all the way to the 1st of August - right in the heart of summer in Venice.

What can you expect from the Venice Biennale Dance

International choreographers and fresh new talent
Performances that blend dance, technology and the visual arts
Highly respected educational programs - this festival is just as much about learning as it is about entertainment

(Important to know: many of the performances take place at sunset and use the natural light of Venice as a key part of the show.)

Weather and vibe

July in Venice is hot - but it's also alive with energy. The nighttimes during the Biennale Dance festival are some of the most magical times of the year.

Venice Biennale Cinema 2026 opening dates: 2 – 12.09

Lots of people passing through Venice are keen to know when the Venice Film Festival 2026 is opening - in other words, when is the Venice Film Festival.

The Lido di Venezia becomes the hub of global cinema from the 2nd to the 12th of September 2026.

Why Venice Film Festival stands out

It's all about home-grown talent - the festival puts a real emphasis on independent cinema.
There's also a willingness to experiment and take risks - you'll see a lot of creative and innovative films here.
And the vibe? It's a little less glitzy and glamorous than some of the other big film festivals - like Cannes.

What goes down during the Festival

World premieres and red-carpet events
Film screenings that are open to the public
A real buzz in the air - the festival is a must-visit for film lovers

(Thing to know: some of the screenings are available to anyone who books in advance - not just industry insiders.)

Venice Biennale Musica 2026 - opening dates: 10 - 24.10

The Venice Biennale Musica 2026 takes place from the 10th to the 24th of October - exploring the boundaries of contemporary music and sound.

Key features

Original commissions
Concerts in historic and industrial spaces
Tapping into the cutting edge of music and technology

(Some of the concerts even use the natural acoustics of churches and arsenals as a key part of the composition - it's really unique stuff.)

Venice Biennale 2026 - Frequently asked questions

Is It Official? Are The Dates For The Venice Biennale 2026 Finalised

Yes - these dates come directly from the official calendar and communication channels from La Biennale di Venezia.

Can I Visit Multiple Biennales On The Same Trip

You sure can - especially in May and June or September and October, with a bit of forward planning.

Do I Need To Book In Advance

Oh yes! During the festival times, hotels and flights get snapped up quickly.

Is The Biennale Good For Non-Experts Too

Absolutely - many of the events are designed for an international audience, not just specialists.

Conclusion

Knowing the Venice Biennale 2026 opening dates lets you plan in advance.

Because Venice in 2026 isn't just another city to visit, it's a full-on cultural experience waiting to be lived - to discover, to be chosen and explored with real intent.

Every Biennale brings out a different side of the city - now it's up to you to decide which one you want to experience.

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