One of the questions inflaming forums and social media is “what is the Venice Biennale?” Today we remove all doubt with 15 things you don't know for sure.
Hey dear travelers, today we’re talking about one of the most iconic, fascinating, and magnetic events on the international cultural scene: the Venice Biennale.
A must-see for anyone who loves art, architecture, cinema, dance, music, and theater, or for those who simply want to breathe in the vibrant atmosphere of a Venice transformed into a vast, open-air creative laboratory.
Let’s discover everything in this guide by Venice Insider Guide, designed for those who want to explore the Biennale up close, with a detailed and passionate look.
1. What is the Venice Biennale
So, what is the Venice Biennale?
The Venice Biennale is one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions in the world. Founded in 1895, it is an international artistic event held regularly in Venice. Its purpose is to promote new contemporary artistic trends through events spanning from visual art to cinema, from music to dance, and from architecture to theater.
Over the years, the Biennale has continually reinvented itself, attracting thousands of visitors, artists, critics, and curators from all over the world with each edition. But it’s not just an event—it’s an immersive experience in global creativity.
2. What does the Venice Biennale cover
The Biennale is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a specific artistic language. Here are the main ones:
Art Biennale
The most famous section. Held in odd-numbered years, it hosts works by contemporary artists from around the world. Curated by leading figures in international art, the exhibition unfolds across the Giardini, the Arsenale, and external venues, including national pavilions and collateral events.
Architecture Biennale
Held in even-numbered years. It explores new trends and major themes in contemporary architecture, with a focus on the future of urban living, sustainability, and design.
Theater Biennale
Founded in 1934, it is an international showcase of theatrical avant-garde, featuring performances, workshops, and labs led by major names in the global scene.
Music Biennale
Dedicated to contemporary music, with concerts, experimental performances, and meet-the-composer events.
Dance Biennale
Launched in 1999, it features both emerging and established choreographers, offering performances and artist residencies showcasing the best of contemporary dance.
Cinema Biennale
The legendary Venice International Film Festival, founded in 1932. It is the oldest film festival in the world and awards the prestigious Golden Lion.
3. Where is the Venice Biennale and how many venues does it have
Many people not only want to know what is the Venice Biennale is but also wonder where it is located. Therefore, we have grouped the venues below.
The Biennale doesn’t have a single location but is spread across various sites throughout the city, each with its own identity.
Giardini
The historic heart of the Art and Architecture Biennale. Hosts numerous permanent national pavilions and the Central Pavilion, home to curated exhibitions.
Arsenale
An ancient shipyard of the Venetian Republic, now a spectacular and evocative exhibition space. This is where you’ll find monumental installations and the main exhibition route.
Lido
Home to the Cinema Biennale, featuring the famous Palazzo del Cinema and the red carpet of the festival.
Ca' Giustinian
The Biennale’s historic headquarters, overlooking the Grand Canal. It houses the central offices and hosts events, press conferences, and official presentations.
External Areas
Numerous collateral events are held in palaces, churches, gardens, and urban spaces scattered throughout Venice. Part of the Biennale’s charm lies in how it merges with the city itself.
4. Why is it called Biennale
Whai is the Venice Biennale? And Why is it called Biennale? The term "Biennale" comes from the Latin biennium, meaning "every two years." The first edition, in 1895, was conceived as an international art exhibition to be repeated every two years. Today, however, the Biennale includes both alternating yearly events (like Art and Architecture) and annually held sections (cinema, dance, music, theater), while retaining its historic name.
5. How does the Venice Biennale work
Each edition of the Biennale is curated by an artistic director, who establishes a central theme (or concept) around which the works and events revolve. Participating countries select their artists for the national pavilions, while the general curator selects other artists for the main exhibition.
There are also collateral events, independent projects approved by the Biennale that take place in external venues.
Visitors can access the Biennale by purchasing daily tickets or cumulative passes for multiple days or venues.
6. What is the purpose of the Venice Biennale
The Biennale’s primary mission is to promote contemporary art in all its forms. It offers an international visibility platform for artists, fosters cultural exchange between countries, and stimulates discussion on social, political, environmental, and cultural issues through art.
It’s a catalyst for ideas, a bridge between cultures, and a space for experimentation.
7. Is the Venice Biennale an important event
Absolutely—it’s one of the most important and influential cultural events in the world. Its exhibitions are often considered a barometer of contemporary art, and winning an award at the Biennale is a globally recognized honor.
For visitors, it’s a unique opportunity to experience art in a direct, engaging, and emotional way.
8. History of the Venice Biennale
The Biennale began in 1895 with the "International Art Exhibition of the City of Venice," initiated by Mayor Riccardo Selvatico. Since then, it has endured wars, artistic revolutions, crises, and rebirths.
In 1930, the autonomous body La Biennale di Venezia was established. In the 1930s, cinema (1932), music (1930), and theater (1934) sections were introduced. Dance arrived more recently in 1999.
The Golden Lion, Venice’s symbol, was introduced as an award in various artistic sectors and has become a highly coveted prize.
9. What to see at the Venice Biennale
It depends on the edition, but generally, you can see:
- Contemporary art installations
- Video art, photography, painting, sculpture
- National pavilions with artists selected by participating countries
- Live performances
- Collateral exhibitions
- Talks, workshops, artist meetups
- Theater, dance shows, and concerts
10. Description of the pavilions of Venice Biennale
What is Venice Biennale: The Art and Architecture Biennale hosts around 60–90 national pavilions. Some countries have permanent spaces in the Giardini (like France, Germany, the UK, the USA), while others exhibit in temporary venues around Venice.
Each pavilion is independently curated and presents an original project. Some are iconic architectural works, such as the Finnish Pavilion by Alvar Aalto or the Japanese Pavilion with its Zen aesthetic.
11. Venice Biennale Events
Besides exhibitions, the Biennale organizes:
- Vernissages for the press and professionals
- Award ceremonies
- Conferences and panel discussions
- Educational programs for students and families
- Site-specific performances
12. Venice Biennale Activities
During the Biennale you can:
- Join guided exhibition tours
- Participate in thematic tours
- Sign up for workshops and labs
- Take photos or sketch the artworks
- Buy catalogs and exclusive merchandise
13. Venice Biennale Curiosities
- Marcel Duchamp participated with his infamous urinal, challenging the boundaries of art.
- Some pavilions have sparked scandals and political protests.
- Some artists have withdrawn from the event in protest or boycott.
- Some installations are so spectacular they go viral on social media.
14. Venice Biennale Tips
- Buy your tickets in advance online
- Dedicate at least two days if you want to visit both the Giardini and the Arsenale
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Check the map and program before you go
- Don’t skip lesser-known pavilions: they often hold surprises
15. Useful information Venice Biennale
- Official website: labiennale.org
- Tickets: available online and on-site
- Languages: Italian and English (for informational materials)
- Period: varies by section (Art in odd years, Architecture in even ones)
- How to get there: Vaporetto line 1 or 6 to the Giardini
What is the Venice Biennale: Conclusion
So, the Venice Biennale is not just an event: it’s a journey. A journey through artistic languages, cultures, ideas, provocations, and dreams. Whether you’re a contemporary art lover or just curious, let yourself be swept away by this one-of-a-kind experience.
Now that you understand what is the Venice Biennale is through these 15 Important Things Not Everyone Knows, we hope you'll stop by here to visit. Yes, because you can't imagine what you're missing!
Have a great trip, dear travelers, and don’t forget: come back and visit us at Venice Insider Guide for more lagoon wonders!