The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions, held every two years in Venice, Italy, since 1895. Showcasing cutting-edge works from international artists, the event spans multiple disciplines, including visual arts, architecture, cinema, dance, music, and theater. The Biennale features national pavilions in the Giardini and Arsenale, where countries present curated exhibitions reflecting current artistic trends and cultural themes. Renowned for pushing artistic boundaries, it attracts global attention from artists, curators, and art lovers, making Venice a hub of innovation and creativity during the event.
DATES & TIMES
• Exhibition dates (2026): Saturday, May 9–Sunday, November 22, 2026. Preview days: May 6–8, 2026. Biennale Arte 2026 (official).
• Opening hours (official): 11:00 AM–7:00 PM from May through September (last admission 6:45 PM); 10:00 AM–6:00 PM from October through November 22 (last admission 5:45 PM). Opening hours and venues.
• Until the end of September, Arsenale is open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays (last admission 7:45 PM). The exhibition is closed on Mondays, except May 11, June 1, September 7, and November 16, 2026. Official schedule details.
LOCATION
• Venice, Italy — official venues: Giardini, Arsenale, and Forte Marghera. Official venue info.
• Giardini della Biennale, Sestiere Castello, 30122 Venice. Open in Google Maps · Venue site.
• Arsenale, Campo della Tana 2169/F, 30122 Venice. Open in Google Maps · Venue site.
• Forte Marghera, Via Forte Marghera, Mestre, Venice. Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Tickets and guided tours are purchasable online only. Official ticket information.
• Early bird ticket types published by La Biennale include: 3-day ticket €30 (instead of €40), 1-access ticket €25 (instead of €30), and student 1-access ticket €12 (instead of €16). Tickets · Ticket details.
• Guided tours at scheduled hours are listed at €8 per venue, per person; the entrance ticket is not included. Guided tour details.
GOOD TO KNOW
• The official information page lists public services at Giardini and Arsenale, including bar/restaurant, bookshop, infopoint, restrooms, and courtesy transport with electric cars for visitors with reduced mobility. Services for the public.
• Pet policy (official): small to medium size pets on a leash are admitted to the green area only at Giardini; no pets are admitted at Arsenale. Visitor services.
• A valid ID is required for accreditation tickets at the entrance. Accreditation details.