Since 1895, the Venice Biennale has been the Olympics of the art world. Art (odd years) and Architecture (even years) alternate in the Giardini and Arsenale.
Plan this trip →2026 is an Architecture Biennale year. Opens late May, runs through late November. Check labiennale.org for exact dates and theme. The Art Biennale returns in 2027.
Giardini: 29 permanent national pavilions (including the iconic British, German, Japanese pavilions). Arsenale: the massive former shipyard, converted into exhibition halls. Collateral events: 50+ exhibitions across Venice in palazzi, churches, and warehouses.
Full ticket: €25 (Giardini + Arsenale). Under-26: €16. 2-day pass: €30. Buy at labiennale.org or at the entrances. Allow a full day (half-day Giardini, half-day Arsenale minimum). The Arsenale alone is 1.5km of exhibition space.
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