The Biennale Arte 2026, the 61st International Art Exhibition titled In Minor Keys and curated by Koyo Kouoh, is open in Venice until Sunday 22 November 2026 at the Giardini and the Arsenale; in these final weeks it opens from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:45) and is closed on most Mondays. If your trip falls in November, here is what to know before you go.
Where is the Biennale Arte 2026?
The two main venues are in Castello, the eastern sestiere of Venice. The Giardini, the public gardens laid out in the Napoleonic era, host the national pavilions, with the entrance on Viale Trento. The Arsenale, the former shipyard of the Venetian Republic, hosts the international exhibition in the long halls of the Corderie and the Artiglierie, with the entrance at Campo della Tana. La Biennale also lists special projects at Forte Marghera, on the mainland.
What is on in the final programme?
From 13 to 22 November La Biennale has scheduled a closing programme of debates, lectures and performances at the Arsenale. Among the dates announced on the official website:
- 13–15 November: public assembly debates;
- 14 November, 11:00: a lecture by Felwine Sarr;
- 22 November, 16:00: Laurie Anderson, In This World, at the Tese dei Soppalchi.
Events at the Teatro Piccolo Arsenale are free while seats last; the others require a Biennale ticket. Check the official programme for times and changes before you go.
How do you plan a Biennale day in November?
- Allow a full day for both venues, or two half days: walking between the Giardini and the Arsenale takes time.
- November days are short: start in the morning and see the Giardini, partly outdoors, in daylight.
- Check the opening calendar: the exhibition is closed on most Mondays, with exceptions listed by La Biennale.
- November can bring acqua alta: check the City of Venice tide forecast and pack waterproof shoes.
- The day-visitor access fee does not apply in November: the 2027 calendar starts on 26 March.
How can you combine it with the rest of Venice?
The Biennale is a good reason to discover Castello beyond the Riva degli Schiavoni: the Arsenale gate, Via Garibaldi and San Pietro di Castello, for centuries the cathedral of Venice. Our industrial Venice private tour explores the Arsenale area, Giudecca and the Molino Stucky, and Daniela can suggest how to pace the exhibition and the city over your stay. Biennale tickets are booked directly on the official website and are not included in the guide’s fee.
Official information: La Biennale – Art 2026.
Discover our industrial Venice private tour and the Venice events calendar, or request a free, no-obligation tailor-made quote – reply within 24 hours.
