Venice is a city you can visit ten times and still keep discovering new hidden gems – each one as beautiful and moving as the last.
So it’s fair to ask:
Is it worth spending time at the Biennale exhibitions, or will they just pull me away from exploring the rest of the city?
Our answer: Yes – go to the Biennale. You won’t regret it.
What Is the Venice Biennale?
There are two main Biennale events that alternate each year – that’s why it’s called biannual:
- The Art Biennale (established in 1895)
- The Architecture Biennale (launched in 1980)
Tip for insiders: since 2021, when the COVID-delayed Architecture Biennale was held instead of the Art Biennale, the sequence shifted — and now Art Biennales are held in even-numbered years, and Architecture in odd-numbered ones.
Each edition runs from May to November, and both include national pavilions, central exhibitions, and satellite shows scattered across the city – in palazzos, old churches, and temporary spaces.
You’ll see everything from installations and models to immersive performances and multi-sensory art.
Should I Buy a Ticket?
Absolutely. The two main venues – Giardini (The Gardens) and Arsenale (The Dockyard) – require tickets, and they’re well worth it.
Here’s why:
- It’s a quick, curated glimpse into global trends in art or architecture
- You’ll see what’s being reflected – and how
- You might even find inspiration for your own life:
An idea for your office space
A shift in how you see your neighborhood
A moment that sparks creative thought
For curious travelers, it’s not a distraction – it’s a layer of meaning.
What If I Happen to Be There?
Even if you didn’t plan your trip for the Biennale, if you’re in Venice between May and November, it’s worth weaving it into your itinerary – even if just for a few hours.
You’ll still have time for backstreets, canals, cicchetti, and quiet moments – but the Biennale might be the spark that stays with you long after you leave.
Make your unforgettable Venice, or any other artful itinerary, with the help of Meet The Road – your companion for smart, soulful travel.