Set to captivate audiences from May 9 to November 22, 2026, the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale In Minor Keys, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, marks another milestone in the event’s legacy.
Venice Biennale is one of the most famous contemporary art events of the world and has been taking place for more than 120 years. This outstanding festival happens every two years for a few months and attracts a great number of people from all over the world. This edition will unfold across the iconic venues of the Giardini della Biennale, the Arsenale, and additional exhibition spaces throughout Venice’s historic districts.
Under the global spotlight, participating nations will present their most compelling voices in contemporary art within their own pavilions, while a selection of internationally recognized collateral events will amplify Venice’s creative atmosphere throughout the city.
Experience the Venice Biennale 2026 in an unusual way with exclusive private tours by Top Venice.
Giardini della Biennale Tours: the perfect way to discover art, history and global creativity
As part of this immersive cultural landscape, visitors can expect to explore cutting-edge installations, thought-provoking performances, and dialogues that bridge continents and artistic disciplines — making the 2026 Biennale an unmissable destination in the international cultural calendar.
On this occasion, Top Venice would like to invite you to a special tour that will help you not to miss the best shows of the International Art Exhibition at Giardini della Biennale – where the main national pavilions are based – and the Arsenale.
Whether you are a seasoned art lover or a culturally curious explorer, the Biennale offers a unique and unmissable experience in the heart of Venice. Our experienced art tour guide will make sure that you will be having a relaxing time and enjoying the city just as much as the arts.
Top Venice Art Tours, how it works
Experience the Biennale not just as a visitor, but as a privileged explorer with Top Venice’s private tours.
Day 1: Arsenale
Once the largest production center in Venice during the pre-industrial era it was a huge complex of construction symbol of the economic, political and military power of the city. Since 1980 the Arsenale has become an exhibition site of La Biennale, on the occasion of the 1st International Architecture Exhibition.
Day 2: Giardini
The foreign pavilions were built starting from 1907 and now the Giardini della Biennale is a home for 29 national pavilions, each of them representing a country through the language of architecture and arts. To get a better insight into what the country is putting forward for the art pilgrims, an experienced Top Venice guide will show you around and explain to you in detail the significance of some of them.
Why Choose Top Venice for Your Biennale Tour
Choosing Top Venice means choosing an enriching experience. There’s why:
- Tailored itineraries designed around your interests — whether you wish to dive deep into avant-garde installations or focus on particular national pavilions.
- Expert local guides whose knowledge of the Biennale’s history, themes and artistic context brings each work to life.
- Flexibility and bespoke experiences such as a private glass blowing classes in Murano — that extend your cultural discovery beyond the exhibition itself.
With Top Venice, every step of your Biennale journey becomes a story, an insight, and an inspired memory.
Other things not to be missed
In the days leading up to the public opening of the exhibition, the pavilions exhibiting at the Biennale organise Opening Days: parties and cocktail receptions by invitation only for art collectors, professionals, gallery owners and journalists.
Not only the pavilions, but also the world’s most important art galleries take part and invite their clients to preview the works.
During this period, there are many temporary exhibition openings within the foundations’ spaces, such as the newly established Dries Van Noten Foundation, which is opening its doors to guests for the first time at the Palazzo Pisani Moretta.
Would you like to be part of this special and exciting occasion? Good news! Top Venice can offer you exclusive access to Opening Days to fully experience the Biennale season.
FAQ about Biennale Tours
When is the best time to visit the Biennale?
The Biennale runs from early May to late November. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and a serene atmosphere, perfect for meaningful exploration.
How much time should I allocate?
To truly immerse yourself in both the Arsenale and the Giardini, we recommend at least two days — giving you the space to explore, absorb and reflect without rush.
What’s included in the tour?
Your experience includes a private expert guide, entry to Biennale venues, and dedicated support throughout your cultural journey.
Ready to explore the Venice Biennale like never before? Book your private tour or request more information today.
Is it worth visiting also the collateral exhibitions and events during the 2026 Venice Biennale?
Yes, absolutely, we recommend doing so! These are official exhibitions and artistic projects recognized by La Biennale di Venezia but presented outside the main institutional venues of the Giardini and Arsenale, across remarkable historical locations throughout the city.
One of the standout satellite exhibitions in 2026 is “Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy” at the Gallerie dell’Accademia. This major show — the first at the museum to spotlight a living female artist — invites you to explore Abramović’s groundbreaking performance works in dialogue with Venetian masters, making it an unforgettable cultural encounter.
Another noteworthy venue is Palazzo Diedo in Cannaregio, which has been revitalized as a contemporary art space.
Finally, consider the dynamic calendar at Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, where the Pinault Collection regularly presents large-scale contemporary exhibitions.
