The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia opens on 9 May 2026, and the city is already preparing. Curated by Koyo Kouoh under the theme โIn Minor Keys,โ this edition features 99 national participations, 111 invited artists, and 31 collateral events spread across Venice. Here is everything you need to plan your visit.
Key Dates
- Pre-opening (by invitation): 6 to 8 May 2026
- Public opening: 9 May 2026
- Closing day: 22 November 2026
- Venues: Giardini, Arsenale, and sites across Venice including Forte Marghera
The Arsenale offers extended evening hours on select Fridays and Saturdays during summer, making it possible to experience the exhibition in a completely different atmosphere after the day crowds have gone.
Tickets and Pricing
Early-bird tickets provide meaningful savings:
- Single-day: EUR 25 early-bird / EUR 30 regular
- 3-day pass: EUR 30 early-bird / EUR 40 regular
Purchase through the official La Biennale website. The 3-day pass is excellent value if you want to explore Giardini and Arsenale on separate days without rushing. Student and group discounts are available.
A 3-Day Itinerary from Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Hotel Palazzo Vitturi sits in Castello, which means both main Biennale venues are within comfortable walking distance. Here is a suggested pace that avoids exhaustion and maximizes what you see.
Day 1: Giardini
Walk east from Campo Santa Maria Formosa through the quiet Castello streets. The Giardini are about 15 minutes on foot. Arrive early (the gates open at 11:00 during summer) to experience the national pavilions before they fill up. Start with the Central Pavilion, then work through the surrounding national pavilions. Budget 4 to 5 hours.
Lunch: Walk back toward Via Garibaldi for authentic Venetian lunch spots where local workers eat. Prices drop sharply once you leave the Giardini perimeter.
Evening: Return to Campo Santa Maria Formosa for aperitivo. The campo comes alive around 18:00 with local families and visitors mixing on the terraces.
Day 2: Arsenale
The Arsenale is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. This is where the curated exhibition lives alongside national pavilions in the dramatic industrial spaces of Veniceโs former shipyard. The sheer scale of the Arsenale means you need most of a day here. If extended evening hours are active, consider a late afternoon start followed by dinner nearby and a return for the evening viewing.
Lunch: The Arsenale has a cafe, but for better food at lower prices, step out to the Castello waterfront bars along Riva dei Sette Martiri.
Evening: If Friday or Saturday, check whether Arsenale evening hours are active. The lighting changes the entire experience.
Day 3: Collateral Events and Hidden Gems
This is the day for exploring the 31 collateral events scattered across the city. Two new art centres opening in May 2026 deserve attention: the SMAC San Marco Art Centre and the Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation. Both launch inaugural exhibitions timed to the Biennale opening.
Combine these with a walk through the less-visited sestieri. Head to Dorsoduro for the Punta della Dogana collection, then cross to San Giorgio Maggiore for the island pavilion and bell tower views.
Evening: Final dinner in the Castello neighborhood. The restaurants around Campo Santa Maria Formosa serve the locals who live here, not just Biennale visitors.
Practical Tips
Transport: A multi-day vaporetto pass (ACTV) pays for itself quickly and is essential for reaching Forte Marghera and island venues. Purchase at ACTV offices or automated kiosks at major stops.
Timing: The opening weeks (May) and final weeks (November) are the busiest. Mid-week visits in June, September, or October offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Combining with Venice: First time in Venice? Read our month-by-month guide for weather and event planning, and our guide to Castello vs San Marco for neighborhood orientation.
Book Your Biennale Stay
Castello is the optimal base for the Biennale: both Giardini and Arsenale are walkable, and you return each evening to a real Venetian neighborhood rather than a tourist zone. Explore our rooms or book direct for the best rate guaranteed.