Venice Biennale exhibitions 2024

The Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions, extends beyond the official pavilions at the Arsenale and Giardini to encompass the entire city and beyond, with a myriad of exhibitions and cultural events enriching the art experience.

Let's find out everything about the exhibitions of the Venice Biennale 2024.

In this itinerary, we'll explore the most unmissable exhibitions taking place alongside the Biennale, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in contemporary art in Venice in 2024.

1. "Ensemble" by Julie Mehretu at Palazzo Grassi

Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian-born American artist, is the protagonist of this exhibition bringing together 25 years of her artistic production.

Until January 6, 2025, at Palazzo Grassi, art enthusiasts can admire Mehretu's imposing canvases, which evoke abstract expressionism.

The exhibition offers a non-chronological journey, enriched by works from artists who are friends of the painter, offering a profound reflection on contemporary themes, from the war in Syria to migrations.

2. "Liminal" by Pierre Huyghe at Punta della Dogana

Curated by Anne Stenne, this exhibition at Punta della Dogana offers a surreal experience, exploring the boundary between the human and the non-human.

Until November 24, spectators are immersed in a dark world, exploring new forms of life and the harmonious interaction between them through video installations, artificial intelligence, and performances.

3. "Elective Affinities" at the Berggruen Museum

In collaboration with the Gallerie dell'Accademia, the Berggruen Museum brings some of the most suggestive paintings of the 20th century to Venice.

Until June 23, this exhibition offers an extraordinary opportunity for comparison between works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Klee, and Giacometti, juxtaposed with the Venetian masters like Giorgione and Tiepolo.

4. Willem de Kooning Retrospective at the Gallerie dell'Accademia

Open to the public from April 15 to November 24, this extensive retrospective explores the influence of Italy on the American artist Willem de Kooning.

Through approximately 75 works, the exhibition offers a journey through four decades of de Kooning's art, examining his stay in Italy and its impact on his artistic production.

5. "Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot" by William Kentridge

Presented exclusively in Venice, this exhibition at the Arsenale Institute for Politics of Representation celebrates the South African artist William Kentridge.

Through a new series of nine-episode videos, Kentridge offers a profound reflection on the materiality of the body and the experience of the real in the digital age.

6. "The Worlds of Marco Polo" at Palazzo Ducale

On the occasion of the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, Palazzo Ducale hosts an exhibition that retraces the epic journey of the Venetian explorer in Asia.

Through over three hundred works, visitors can explore the cultural value of the journey and the opening to unknown realities, offering an in-depth look at the life and exploits of the Venetian explorer.

7. "The Arch within the Arc" by Rick Lowe at Palazzo Grimani

In this exhibition, Rick Lowe explores the urban fabric of Venice, offering a reflection on the geography and spirit of the lagoon city.

Through ideal cartographic works, Lowe tells the story and culture of Venice, inviting visitors to explore its past and present.

8. "Helmut Newton: The Rooms of Photography"

The traveling exhibition dedicated to Helmut Newton arrives in Venice, offering a retrospective on the life and work of one of the most influential photographers in the world.

Until November 24, visitors can explore the life and work of Newton through a selection of his most iconic shots, as well as works by emerging photographers.

9. "Jean Cocteau: Peggy Guggenheim Collection"

This exhibition offers a unique perspective on the life and work of Jean Cocteau, through a vast selection of works from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Until November 24, visitors can immerse themselves in Cocteau's creative universe, exploring his artistic versatility and lasting influence on contemporary culture.

10. "Breast" at Palazzo Franchetti

This exhibition reflects on the image of the breast in culture, exploring classical and modern representations through works by artists such as Cindy Sherman and Marcel Duchamp.

Until November 24, "Breast" offers an opportunity to promote awareness and prevention of breast cancer, while exploring the theme of the female body in art.