61st Biennale di Venezia 2026: Resources for Opening Week
61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia
In Minor Keys – Koyo Kouoh
Preview Days: May 6–9, 2026
Opening to the public: May 9, 2026
As the preview days of the 61st Venice Biennale begin, many members of the International Biennial Association (IBA) will be in Venice over the coming days, joining colleagues, artists, and institutions from across the world for what is always a particularly dynamic and inspiring moment in the biennial calendar.
With a wide range of openings, events, and gatherings taking place across the city, navigating the programs can often be as demanding. In this spirit, and as a way of offering some practical support during these busy days, we have prepared a set of shared resources that may be useful to those attending.
We invite you to explore and make use of the following:
→ Map of key locations and events
These tools are intended as open resources, bringing together key moments across the week and offering a shared point of reference for navigating the city.
This year’s Biennale unfolds within a particularly complex and evolving context (we suggest this article by Anonia Majaca to give a broad overview of the events). Alongside the anticipation that accompanies each new edition, the opening week is also marked by a series of developments that reflect broader institutional and geopolitical dynamics shaping the field. These include the recent announcement of the International Jury stepping down, as well as the controversy surrounding the Russian Pavilion, which is to remain closed (as of today).
While these circumstances inevitably frame the moment, they also underline the importance of coming together, both formally and informally, to exchange perspectives, reconnect with peers, and first and foremost engage with the art works on display.
We look forward to meeting many of you in person over the coming days and to continuing these conversations on site.
Safe travels, and wishing everyone a productive and inspiring week in Venice.
