Art Unbound

The 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia

Words by Ellen Jones

From Frieze to Cannes, there are annual global film festivals, art fairs, art exhibitions, and events that excite culture vultures everywhere. Few, however, run the entire creative arts gamut quite like the Venice Biennale.

Since the late 19th century, La Biennale di Venezia has been at the forefront of journeying into the heart of contemporary creativity. This year, the arts extravaganza celebrates its 60th, offering vast culture-enriching experiences in the disciplines of art, architecture, cinema, dance, music, and theater.

Spread across multiple venues nestled within the labyrinth of Venice’s winding canals and regal palazzos, Biennale Arte 2024 boasts one of the most dynamic, socio-political programs yet. It’s the perfect time to experience Venice’s cultural richness amidst a backdrop of exquisite landmarks and gawp-worthy scenery that has inspired artists for centuries.

The 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia: What to Expect

The 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, which runs for seven months until November 24, is curated by Adriano Pedrosa, the artistic director of Brazil’s Museu de Arte de São Paulo. His theme, Foreigners Everywhere, spotlights artists who are themselves foreigners, immigrants, expatriates, diasporic, émigrés, exiled, or refugees.

In what’s a profound exploration into the concept of identity and belonging, 331 artists from 80 nations present everything from sculpture to installation at Venice’s Arsenale and Giardini della Biennale venues.

Unmissable highlights include Aboriginal artist Archie Moore’s meticulous chalk drawing of an Australian First Nation family tree that expresses 65,000 years of the artist’s family history. Then at Arsenale, the Palermo-based collective by the Italian-British artist duo Fulvia Carnevale and James Thornhill confronts contemporary art and societal challenges by exploring themes of political powerlessness and individual identity crisis in their exhibition Foreigners Everywhere / Stranieri Ovunque. Multilingual neon sculptures confront issues of xenophobia and cultural displacement, echoing the struggles of marginalized groups in a globalized world.

How to do La Biennale di Venezia

The sheer scope of the arts available to experience can appear overwhelming, so prioritize the exhibitions, performances, or shows you want to see by booking tickets online in advance at labiennale.org. Bear in mind that the International Theatre Festival, the International Festival of Contemporary Dance, the Venice International Film Festival, and the International Festival of Contemporary Music run for a week or two through summer and fall. Theater is in June, Dance runs from July and August, Film runs from August to September, and Music runs from September to October.

For a VIP experience, bagging a Biennale Card will grant you different access levels. Available in five tiers, the card can secure you anything from discounted tickets right up to gala dinners complete with fireworks. Do keep your eye open for exclusive Biennale events, such as private viewings, artist talks, intimate screenings, and VIP receptions.

The Participating Countries have their own pavilion, representing selected artists’ works and offering a diverse and immersive glimpse into global contemporary artistry. Consider dedicating three days to maximize your Biennale experience: one to spend at the Arsenale, one to spend at the Giardini della Biennale, and another to check out the fringe Collateral Events and external pavilions dotted around Venice.

The Biennale is spread across the city of Venice, so be prepared to jump in a vaporetto (“water bus”) to get from one venue to another. But that’s part of the fun anyway. Alternatively, seek a private or guided tour that can whisk you to the Biennale’s main hotspots without having to navigate canals and narrow cobbled streets.

When in Venice

Nowhere captures the essence of Venice quite as much as The Gritti Palace. Presiding over the Grand Canal, this 15th-century palazzo is one of the Floating City’s most jaw-dropping hotels. Stay here for an unforgettable Venetian experience and expect opulent suites fit for a doge, canal-side terrace dining, and Sisley Paris treatments at The Gritti SPA.

Put on your best celeb-spotting glasses when savoring your handmade spaghetti with a clam and mussels emulsion at Hostaria da Franz. Occupying a historic rope factory, this ultra-chic seafood restaurant has seen everyone from Novak Djokovic to Angelina Jolie through its doors.

Just a few moments walk from Saint Mark’s Square, Calle Larga XXII Marzo is Venice’s shopping hotspot for luxury megabrands like Valentino, Gucci, and Ferragamo. Alternatively, for local craftsmanship, the family-owned Rose Douce purveys gorgeous Murano glass and costume jewelry. For over 100 years, handmade hats have been sold at Calle del Lovo 4813. Owned today by milliner Giuliana Longo, visit this store to pick up Panama hats, fascinators, and even gondolier hats.

The Venice Biennale At A Glance

• Fly direct to Venice Marco Polo Airport from New York JFK.
• The Biennale Arte 2024 is open through summer until November 24, 2024.
• Buy tickets for the Biennale Exhibitions or Festivals online in advance at labiennale.org.
• Familiarize yourself with the layout of Venice and the locations of Biennale venues.
• Half a million visitors attend each year, so be prepared to wait in line, especially during peak summer months.
• Three days is perfect for covering all the Biennale pavilions and exhibitions.
• Take time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Venetian architecture, canals, and picturesque squares.
• Buy a Venezia Unica City Pass. It’s an all-in-one pass for public transportation, admission to tourist attractions, and cultural events in the city.