The ultimate guide to the Venice Biennale: Art, architecture and more

Biennale di Venezia 2019: May you live in interesting times.

Welcome to the exciting world of the Venice Biennale, one of the oldest and most prestigious art exhibitions in the world. Held every two years in the beautiful lagoon city of Venice, the Biennale is a celebration of contemporary art, architecture, cinema, dance, music and theatre that brings together artists and creatives from around the world.

Held every two years in Venice, the Biennale consists of two main events: the International Art Exhibition and the International Architecture Exhibition. These two events differ in focus and scope and are organised by different bodies within the Biennale organisation.

In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through the history and significance of the Venice Biennale and give you some insider tips on what not to miss during your visit. So buckle up and let’s explore the fascinating world of the Biennale di Venezia!

Venice Biennale in 2019

The best accommodation for your visit to the Venice Biennale

There are many great hotels in Venice that are suitable for a visit to the Biennale, depending on your preferences and budget.

Here are some options:

  • Belmond Hotel Cipriani*: This luxury hotel is located on Giudecca Island, just a short boat ride from the Biennale venues. It offers stunning views of the lagoon and a quiet retreat from the crowds of Venice.
  • Hotel Danieli*: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Venice, a short walk from the Biennale venues in the Giardini. It offers elegant rooms and suites and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
  • JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa*:This luxury hotel is set on its own private island, just a short boat ride from the Biennale venues. It offers a tranquil retreat and breathtaking views of the lagoon.
  • Hilton Molino Stucky Venedig*: This modern hotel is located on Giudecca Island, a short boat ride from the Biennale venues. It offers spacious rooms and suites and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
  • Hotel Excelsior Venedig*: This luxury hotel is located on Lido Island, a short boat ride from the Biennale venues. It offers elegant rooms and suites and a private beach.

If you are looking for the cheapest hotels in Venice, here is my personal selection

These are just some of the options, and there are many other great hotels in Venice suitable for a visit to the Biennale. It is important to book your accommodation well in advance, as the city can get very crowded during the Biennale.

Venice Biennale 2019: May you live in interesting times.
Biennale di Venezia 2019: May you live in interesting times.

The Venice Biennale today

The Venice Biennale has a long and eventful history and has become one of the most important cultural events in the world. Today, the Venice Biennale is still considered one of the most important cultural events in the world. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, including art collectors, curators, critics and enthusiasts.

Facts and figures about the Venice Biennale

The Venice Biennale is held every two years, usually from May to November. It takes place in various locations around the city, including the Giardini, a public park that houses the main exhibition pavilions, and the Arsenale, a former shipyard that has been converted into a huge exhibition space.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Venice Biennale are the National Pavilions. These are solo exhibitions organised by each participating country and set up in pavilions in the Giardini Park. Each pavilion is curated by a team of experts from that country and offers a unique perspective on that country’s art and culture.

In addition to the national pavilions, the Biennale also features a main exhibition curated by an international team of experts. This exhibition usually has a theme or concept that reflects current trends and issues in contemporary art.

In addition to the main exhibition, which features works by artists from around the world, the Biennale also offers a series of side events and special exhibitions. These take place in galleries, museums and other venues throughout the city, offering visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of contemporary art.

The Venice Biennale is not just about the visual arts. It also includes exhibitions on architecture, film, dance, music and theatre, as well as a series of special events, lectures and performances.

The Biennale awards several prizes, including the Golden Lion for the best national pavilion, the Golden Lion for the best artist in the international exhibition and the Silver Lion for promising young artists. These awards are very prestigious and can greatly boost an artist’s career.

Art Venice Biennale in 2022: The Milk of Dreams
Venice Biennale 2022: The Milk of Dreams

Tips and tricks for your visit to the Biennale di Venezia

The Venice Biennale can be overwhelming, with so much to see and do. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your visit:

  • Plan ahead: Take some time to research the Biennale and decide which pavilions and exhibitions you want to see. You can find information on the Biennale’s official website or in travel guides.
  • Start early: The Biennale can be very busy, so it’s a good idea to start your day early to avoid long queues and crowds. The pavilions in the Giardini usually open at 10am, so try to arrive shortly after.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: The Biennale is spread over several locations in Venice, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
  • Take breaks: it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the art and information at the Biennale, so be sure to take breaks and take time to rest and recharge.
  • Explore the area around the Biennale: Although the Biennale is the main attraction, there is plenty to see and do in Venice outside of the exhibition. Take some time to explore the city’s museums, galleries and historic sites.
  • Keep an open mind: The Venice Biennale is a showcase for innovative contemporary art, which means some of the works may be challenging or unusual. Try to keep an open mind and visit the exhibition with curiosity and a spirit of discovery.

If you follow these tips, your visit to the Venice Biennale will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

An Octopus on the wall - Venice Biennale 2019: May you live in interesting times.
Venice Biennale 2019: May you live in interesting times.

The two Venice Biennale

There are two major Biennale events that take place in Venice every two years: the International Art Exhibition and the International Architecture Exhibition. These events have different focuses and areas and are organised by different bodies within the Biennale organisation.

The International Art Exhibition, also known as the Venice Art Biennale, is a prestigious contemporary art exhibition featuring works by established and emerging artists from around the world. It takes place at various venues in Venice, including the historic Giardini della Biennale.

The official website of the Venice Biennale

The international art exhibition

The International Art Exhibition, also known as the Venice Biennale, is one of the oldest and most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions in the world. It features works by established and emerging artists from around the world and is curated by a different curator for each edition. The exhibition takes place in the historic Giardini della Biennale and other venues in Venice.

To the official website of the Art Biennale in Venice:

Official Website of the Art Biennale in Venice

The international architecture exhibition in Venice

The International Architecture Exhibition, also known as the Venice Architecture Biennale, is a showcase for contemporary architecture and design from around the world. It features installations, exhibitions and pavilions by architects, designers and urban planners from different countries. The Architecture Biennale takes place in the same venues as the Art Biennale and is also curated by a different curator for each edition.

To the official website of the Architecture Biennale in Venice:

Official Website of the Architecture Biennale in Venice

Other Biennale events in Venice

In addition to these main events, there are several other biennales in Venice, including the Venice Film Festival, the Venice Theatre Biennale and the Venice Music Biennale. These events have different themes and focus on different aspects of the arts and are organised by different bodies within the Biennale organisation.

  • Venice Film Festival: The Venice Film Festival, also known as the Venice International Film Festival, is the oldest film festival in the world. It takes place every year at the end of August or the beginning of September and showcases a range of international films in various categories, including feature films, documentaries and short films.
  • Venice Theatre Biennale: The Venice Theatre Biennale, also known as the International Festival of Contemporary Theatre, is a showcase for contemporary theatre from around the world. Held every two years in Venice, it features performances, workshops and discussions with theatre professionals and artists.
  • Venice Music Biennale: The Venice Music Biennale, also known as the International Festival of Contemporary Music, is a showcase for contemporary music from around the world. It features concerts, performances and other events that explore different musical styles and genres.
  • Venice Dance Biennale: The Venice Dance Biennale is an international festival of contemporary dance that brings together renowned choreographers, dancers and companies from around the world. The festival offers a diverse programme of performances, workshops and discussions that explore the latest trends and innovations in contemporary dance.

Related links:

Venice Art Biennale 2019: May you live in interesting times.
Venice Biennale 2019: May you live in interesting times.

The origins of the Venice Biennale

The Venice Biennale, also known as the Biennale di Venezia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious international art exhibitions in the world. It was founded in 1895 to promote contemporary art and showcase the cultural diversity of different nations.

The Venice Biennale was founded by a group of Venetian artists and intellectuals led by Riccardo Selvatico, the then Mayor of Venice. The idea was first proposed in 1893 and the first exhibition was held in 1895. The original aim of the Biennale was to showcase the best of contemporary Italian art, but soon artists from all over the world were invited to participate.

The first Venice Biennale was held in 1895 and was an immediate success. It presented the works of 14 Italian artists, as well as artists from other European countries, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Over the years, the Biennale grew in size and scope and became known as a place where artists from all over the world came together to share their work and ideas.

Biennale di Venezia Arte, Venice Biennale 2019: May you live in interesting times.
Venice Biennale 2019: May you live in interesting times.

The Biennale in Venice over time

The Biennale has undergone many changes and transformations over the years.

The Venice Biennale has produced many famous artists over the years, including Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall and Joan Miró. It has also been the site of several controversial exhibitions, including a 1978 show that included works critical of the government by Italian artist Carlo Levi.

During the Fascist regime in Italy in the 1930s, for example, the exhibition became more political and nationalist, and many international artists boycotted the event. After the Second World War, the Biennale returned to its more international roots and became a showcase for avant-garde art.

Today, the Venice Biennale is still held every two years and includes exhibitions of art, architecture, film, dance, music and theatre. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is considered one of the most important events in the international art world.

Overall, the Venice Biennale is a fascinating and exciting event that offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the most innovative and cutting-edge artwork from around the world. Whether you’re an art or culture lover, or just looking for a fun and unique travel experience, the Biennale is definitely worth a visit.

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