Visit Venice Biennale is a multidisciplinary art exhibition dating back to 1895.
Throughout its 127-year history, the company has always been at the forefront of promoting the main artistic expressions in fashion.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about this eagerly-awaited Venetian event.
Venice Biennale: article summary
Why is it called the Biennale?
Originally, international exhibitions and trade fairs were held every two years. But now.., the only Biennale that has kept its original pace is the Architecture Biennale.
The Biennale d'Art et d'Architecture: where to exhibit
The International Art Exhibition and the Architecture Biennale have two main venues: the Giardini della Biennale and the Arsenale, very close to each other.
The Gardens of the Biennale
Organized like an exhibition, the Napoleonic gardens are set in the greenery of 29 pavilions that welcome the different nations of the world. The first building dedicated to foreign visitors was the Belgian pavilion in 1907, a decision taken following the very high attendance of the first two editions.
Other pavilions followed:
- The Hungary and Great Britain pavilion
- In 1912, those of France and Holland
- In 1914 Russia
- In 1922 Spain
- In 1926 Czech Republic and Slovakia
- In 1930, the United States of America
- In 1932 Denmark
- In 1932 Venice Pavilion
The Second World War interrupted the event, and construction of the pavilions resumed in 1952 with Israel and Switzerland.
In 1964, the Brazil building was erected. Thus, all countries are represented and can compete in the Venice Architecture Biennale.
The Biennale d'art pavilion
The central building dates from 1984 and is called Palazzo delle Esposizioni. In addition to the rooms dedicated to the works, it houses a multifunctional center, a bookshop and a cafeteria. Renowned artists such as Lucio Fontana, Peggy Guggenheim and Matisse exhibited there.
In the garden area, there are several food and beverage outlets, including bars and restaurants. There's plenty to eat and drink between visits.
Venice Biennale: the Arsenale
Each year, a theme is chosen which artists from different countries then interpret in their own styles, using a wide variety of art forms (audio, video, painting, sculpture, construction).
The Biennale d'art et d'architecture is housed in buildings that were once shipyards. This is where the ships that made up the Serenissima's fleet were built, a symbol of the city's wealth, prestige and prestige. the economic and military power of the city of Venice, where over 2,000 workers were employed.
Biennial of art and architecture: dates and times
Art exhibition opens April to late November, 10 am to 6 pm. A visit to the entire exhibition takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the number of visitors.
The International Architecture Exhibition is held every two years from May to November. The last edition took place in 2021.
The Venice Film Biennale: The Palazzo del Cinema
Built in 1937, the Palazzo del Cinema comprises the Sala Grande, where the most important films are screened and prizes awarded. It seats 1032 people.
Adjacent to the Sala Grande is the Sala Darsena, an extension to the central body of the building. It accommodates 1,500 people.
Finally, there are two smaller rooms for niche screenings: the Sala Zorzi and the Sala Pasinetti, with 48 and 119 seats respectively.
Casino Palace
This monumental palace, built in just 8 months in 1938, is very reminiscent of the style of Mussolini's regime. The casino ceased operations in the 1990s, and the Biennale now dedicates its space to film screenings for the general public and insiders in 4 dedicated theaters.
Biennale du cinéma: dates and times
Venice International Film Festival takes place from late August to mid-September.
Dance, Music and Theatre Biennial
These three representative art exhibitions are housed in the same buildings: Palazzo Ca' Giustinian and theArsenale.
La Ca' Giustinian
This is the Biennale's historic headquarters, overlooking the San Marco basin. The building houses the administrative offices. Inside, you'll find the Sala delle Colonne, the exhibition area, the art laboratory, the bookshop and the cafeteria. The building also contains a wealth of information on the history of the Biennale.
The Arsenale
In addition to the halls already described for the Art Biennale, the Arsenale is also home to two theaters: Teatro Piccolo Arsenale and Teatro alle Tese, a spectacular 16th-century setting where the sails of the boats that made up the Serenissima fleet were stretched taut.
In addition to the palaces, the Biennale Musica will be held in two illustrious Venetian theaters
Teatro Goldoni: Venice's oldest theater.
Since 1992, it has been organized by the Teatro Stabile del Veneto. It is located a stone's throw from the Rialto bridge.
Teatro La Fenice
One of the most prestigious theaters in the world, it is located close to Saint Mark's Square.
Theater, Music and Dance Biennial: dates and times
The Theatre Biennial takes place during the last 10 days of June, while the Music Biennial is held every year. the last 10 days of July and the Dance Biennial at the end of September.
Timetables for all three events are subject to availability.
The Biennale is an event not to be missed if you happen to be in Venice during the days when it is held. You'll be able to discover a wide range of arts and appreciate the works of local and international artists.
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