Exhibition Venues
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale transforms **historic buildings and public spaces** across Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Ernakulam into temporary exhibition venues, creating a distinctive viewing experience where contemporary art engages directly with the architectural and cultural heritage of the city.
Aspinwall House
A sprawling colonial-era seafront property in Fort Kochi that serves as the **main venue**, with its numerous warehouse spaces, lawns, and courtyards providing diverse exhibition environments.
Pepper House
A renovated 16th-century warehouse complex with a courtyard, gallery spaces, and a library, offering views of the Arabian Sea and housing **site-specific installations** and video works.
David Hall
A restored Dutch bungalow with a gallery space and garden, showcasing the architectural heritage of Fort Kochi's colonial past while hosting **contemporary exhibitions**.
Durbar Hall
A renovated exhibition hall in Ernakulam, offering a more **conventional gallery space** in contrast to the historic venues of Fort Kochi, typically hosting larger-scale works.
**Additional venues** vary with each edition and have included heritage properties like Anand Warehouse, TKM Warehouse, and MAP Project Space, as well as public spaces like Parade Ground and Cabral Yard. The Biennale's distributed model encourages exploration of Kochi's historic districts, creating an **immersive cultural experience** that extends beyond traditional exhibition formats.
Venue Locations
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale spans multiple venues across Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Ernakulam, creating a cultural journey through the historic port city's diverse neighborhoods and heritage sites.
Essential Visitor Information
Everything you need to plan your visit to the **6th Kochi-Muziris Biennale**, running from **December 12, 2025 to March 31, 2026**.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
**Daily: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM**
All 110 days of the exhibition
December 12, 2025 - March 31, 2026
Ticket Prices (Expected)
**General:** ₹150-200 ($2-3 USD)
**Students:** ₹50-100 ($0.75-1.50 USD)
**Free entry** often available for Kerala residents on select days
Where to Buy Tickets
- **On-site:** Available at Aspinwall House (main venue)
- **Online:** Official website (www.kochimuzirisbiennale.org)
- **Multi-day passes:** Usually available for regular visitors
- **Group discounts:** Available for educational institutions
Getting to Kochi & Around the City
By Air: Cochin International Airport (**COK**)
Located 41-44 km from Fort Kochi. One of India's busiest airports with excellent international connections.
| Transport Option | Cost (approx.) | Duration (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-paid/App Taxi (Uber) | ₹1,000-1,400 | 45-60 mins |
| AC Bus (KSRTC) | ₹85-100 | 90-105 mins |
| Private Transfer | ₹1,900+ | 45-60 mins |
Getting Around During the Biennale
Within Fort Kochi
- 🚶 **Walking:** Best option - most venues within 20 min walk
- 🛺 **Auto-rickshaw:** ₹30-80 for short trips (negotiate fare)
- 🚲 **Bicycle rental:** ₹100-200/day
- 🚌 **Free shuttle:** Connects major venues during Biennale
To/From Ernakulam (Mainland)
- ⛴️ **Water Metro:** ₹40, every 30 mins, modern AC boats
- 🚤 **Local Ferry:** ₹3-10, traditional experience
- 🚗 **Uber/Taxi:** ₹200-400
- 🛺 **Auto:** ₹150-250 (negotiate first)
Main Exhibition Venues
Aspinwall House
📍 Fort Kochi waterfront
The **main venue** - sprawling colonial seafront complex with multiple warehouses, courtyards, and lawns. Home to the ticket office and largest installations.
Pepper House
📍 Near Fort Kochi ferry terminal
A renovated 16th-century spice warehouse complex with a courtyard and library, ideal for site-specific video and sculpture.
David Hall
📍 Parade Ground, Fort Kochi
A restored Dutch bungalow with a gallery and cafe. Offers a more intimate setting for exhibitions and often hosts cultural events.
Durbar Hall
📍 Ernakulam (Mainland Kochi)
A renovated exhibition hall in mainland Kochi, contrasting the historic venues of Fort Kochi, often hosting larger-scale, more conventional works.
Where to Stay
**Book early!** Accommodation fills up quickly during the Biennale, especially in **Fort Kochi**. Prices typically increase 20-50% during peak periods.
Luxury Heritage (₹8,000-15,000/night)
-
**Brunton Boatyard**
Colonial grandeur on waterfront, 5 min to Aspinwall -
**Forte Kochi**
Princess Street luxury, pool, perfect location -
**The Malabar House**
1755 Dutch mansion, art-focused boutique
Mid-Range Heritage (₹3,000-6,000/night)
-
**Old Courtyard Hotel**
Antique charm in heritage building -
**Eighth Bastion**
Pool, near Chinese fishing nets -
**Fort House Hotel**
Waterfront terrace, family-run
Budget Options (₹1,000-2,500/night)
Homestays and guesthouses offer authentic local experiences. Highly recommended options in Fort Kochi:
- **Green Woods Bethlehem** - Simple, clean, great location
- **Paradise Homestay** - Family-run, excellent breakfast
- **Beena Homestay** - Local hospitality at its best
- **Walton's Homestay** - Adults-only, peaceful garden
Essential Dining Guide
Art Café Scene - Social Hubs of the Biennale
Kashi Art Café
Burger Street, Fort Kochi
The **original art café**. Gallery + organic food + legendary chocolate cake. Where artists gather.
David Hall Café
At David Hall venue
Garden setting, wood-fired pizzas. Perfect post-exhibition spot.
Pepper House Café
At Pepper House venue
**Waterfront views**, inside Biennale venue. Great for discussions.
Traditional Kerala Cuisine
|
**Oceanos Restaurant** Authentic Kerala seafood • Must-try: Karimeen (pearl spot fish) • Budget: ₹₹ |
|
**Fort House Restaurant** Waterfront Kerala dining • Fish molee with appam • Budget: ₹₹₹ |
|
**Kayees Rahmathulla Café** Famous for Kochi-style biryani • Local institution • Budget: ₹ |
|
**Dhe Puttu** Signature puttu (steamed rice cakes) • Multiple varieties • Budget: ₹ |
New & Notable (2025)
- 🌿 **Loving Earth Yoga Café** - Vegan menu, daily yoga, Napier Street
- ☕ **Trouvaille** - French bistro near Aspinwall, excellent croissants
- 🎨 **Lila Curated Experiences** - Art + dining concept near post office
- 🍕 **French Toast Fort Kochi** - All-day breakfast, consistently good
Beyond the Main Exhibition
Students' Biennale
Showcasing work from 50+ art colleges across India. **Fresh perspectives** from emerging artists. Usually at separate venues.
Art by Children (ABC)
**Educational workshops**, guided tours, and summer camps for young visitors. Making contemporary art accessible to all ages.
Artists' Cinema
**Curated film program** featuring experimental films, documentaries, and artist videos. Check Cabral Yard schedule.
Music & Performance
**110 days of regional music, theater, and dance performances**. Mix of traditional and contemporary at various venues.
Collateral Events
**Independent exhibitions and projects** run by galleries and collectives throughout the city. Often in unexpected spaces - shops, homes, and warehouses. Pick up the official **Collateral Guide** at Aspinwall House.
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Best Times to Visit
- **Opening week (Dec 12-19):** Exciting but crowded, many events
- **January:** Good weather, post-holiday calm
- **Weekdays:** Less crowded venues, easier conversations
- **Early morning:** Best light for photography at venues
- **Late afternoon:** Golden hour at **Chinese fishing nets**
Money Matters
- Many places still **cash-only** - keep ₹500-1000 in small notes
- ATMs plentiful in Fort Kochi (HDFC, SBI, Axis Bank)
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants, ₹20-50 for rickshaw help
- **Bargain at markets**, not in established shops
- **UPI payments** increasingly accepted at cafés
What to Bring (The Essentials)
- **Comfortable walking shoes** (essential!)
- Light cotton clothes, modest for temples
- Umbrella/raincoat if visiting Dec-Jan
- **Mosquito repellent** for evenings
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank for phone
Cultural Etiquette
- **Remove shoes** before entering homes/some galleries
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Dress modestly at religious sites
- Right hand for eating/greeting
- Public displays of affection uncommon
- **"Namaskaram"** - local greeting
Extend Your Visit: Day Trips & Experiences
Kerala Backwaters
**Distance:** 1.5 hours to Alleppey
**Experience:** Houseboat cruise through canals
**Cost:** ₹5,000-10,000 for day cruise
Book through hotels for reliable operators
Muziris Heritage Project
**Distance:** 1 hour north
**Experience:** Archaeological sites of ancient port
**Cost:** ₹500-1,000 with guide
Connect biennale name to actual history
Athirapally Waterfalls
**Distance:** 2 hours
**Experience:** "Niagara of India"
**Cost:** ₹2,000-3,000 with transport
Best during/after monsoon season
Health & Safety Essentials
Health Precautions
- Drink only **bottled water**
- Street food: follow the crowds to safe vendors
- **Mosquito protection** essential (dengue risk)
- Basic medications: bring from home
- **Travel insurance** strongly recommended
Medical Facilities
- **Aster Medcity:** 5.6km, major hospital
- **Medical Trust Hospital:** Fort Kochi
- 24/7 Pharmacies: Available in Ernakulam
Safety Tips
- Fort Kochi generally **very safe** for tourists
- Avoid isolated beaches after dark
- Keep copies of passport/visa
- Use registered taxis for late-night transport
- Beware of **tourist pricing** - ask locals for fair rates
Emergency Contacts
- 📞 **Police:** 100
- 📞 **Tourist Police:** 1091
- 📞 **Medical:** 108
- 📞 **Biennale Info:** Check official website
Weather & What to Expect
December
24-31°C
Pleasant, possible rain
Peak tourist season
January
23-32°C
**Best weather**
Dry and comfortable
February
24-33°C
Getting warmer
Still pleasant
March
25-34°C
Hot & humid
Pre-monsoon heat
**Best visiting conditions:** December-January | **Clothing:** Light cotton, sun protection | **Rain:** Occasional in December
Kochi City Guide
Discover the vibrant cultural tapestry of Kochi beyond the Biennale venues with our insider's guide to this historic port city's neighborhoods, hidden gems, and local experiences.
Historic district with antique shops & synagogue
Iconic cantilevered nets at sunset
Traditional dance performances nightly
Authentic Kerala cuisine workshops
Cultural Neighborhoods
- 📍 **Fort Kochi:** Colonial architecture, cafés, and heritage hotels
- 📍 **Mattancherry:** Spice markets, antique shops, and multicultural heritage
- 📍 **Ernakulam:** Modern galleries, shopping, and urban Kerala life
- 📍 **Vypeen Island:** Pristine beaches and fishing villages
Getting Around
Ferry services connect Fort Kochi to Ernakulam and other islands. Auto-rickshaws are plentiful but negotiate fares in advance. For Biennale venues in Fort Kochi, walking is the best option, with most sites within a 20-minute radius. Free shuttle buses connect major venues during the Biennale.
