The 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Art Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art events, is scheduled to take place from Saturday, 9 May, to Sunday, 22 November 2026, in Venice, Italy, with pre-opening previews on 6, 7, and 8 May. The exhibitions will span the historic venues of the Giardini, the Arsenale, and various locations across the city.
A Visionary Curatorial Concept: In Minor Keys
The central exhibition for 2026 is titled In Minor Keys, a curatorial project created by Koyo Kouoh, whose appointment was announced in December 2024 when she became Director of the Visual Arts Department of La Biennale and was entrusted with curating this edition’s main show.
Kouoh’s concept explores how art can resonate through subtler emotional registers, much like minor keys in music, to connect with “persistent signals of earth and life,” embracing depth, nuance, and emotional complexity in artistic expression. Her vision emphasized listening, empathy, and the rich ecosystems of artistic practice that fall outside dominant narratives.
Tragically, Koyo Kouoh passed away suddenly on 10 May 2025. Her death was widely mourned in the global art community, both by those who admired her leadership and those inspired by her unwavering commitment to expanding the reach and relevance of contemporary art.
Despite this loss, La Biennale di Venezia has affirmed that the 61st Biennale will proceed according to her project as she imagined it, preserving and disseminating her ideas and curatorial framework.
To ensure continuity, Kouoh assembled a curatorial team that will carry forward the project. This team includes advisors Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Marie Helene Pereira, and Rasha Salti; editor-in-chief Siddhartha Mitter; and assistant Rory Tsapayi.
Looking Ahead to the Venice Art Biennale 2026
Although full details, including the list of participating artists, the national pavilion presentations, the exhibition’s architectural design, and its graphic identity, will be announced at a press conference in Venice on 25 February 2026, some key elements are already clear:
- Global Participation: National pavilions and collateral events from countries around the world will contribute their own exhibitions and projects across Venice, creating an expansive dialogue of artistic voices.
- Extended Duration: Running over six months, the Biennale allows visitors ample time to experience the diverse programs, installations, and performances that define this major cultural moment.
- Accessible Engagement: Early bird tickets and special passes are available, offering various pricing options and guided tour opportunities for visitors to explore both main and satellite venues.
The Venice Art Biennale 2026 is an emphasis on connection, reflection, and shared exploration. Koyo Kouoh’s approach supported voices that pose in “minor keys,” rich in resonance and insight. The 2026 Biennale, through this ethos, aims to invite audiences and artists alike to listen differently to the world around us.
As Venice prepares to welcome art lovers from around the globe next spring, In Minor Keys promises a Biennale that is emotionally successful, intellectually rigorous, and deeply rooted in the enduring power of artistic expression.
