Introduction
The Rio Art Biennial is a dynamic showcase of contemporary art in one of Brazil's most iconic cities. Established in 2011, the biennial celebrates the city's vibrant cultural heritage while providing a platform for innovative artistic expressions from Brazil and around the world.
Taking place in various iconic venues throughout Rio de Janeiro, the biennial transforms the city into an expansive art gallery, bringing contemporary art to diverse audiences and revitalizing historic and cultural spaces. Each edition features thematic exhibitions that engage with current social, political, and cultural contexts, reflecting Rio's unique position at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
Curatorial Vision
The Rio Art Biennial is founded on the principle of cultural democracy, aiming to make contemporary art accessible to all while showcasing the rich diversity of artistic expressions emerging from Brazil and around the world. Each edition is guided by a central curatorial theme that responds to current global issues while remaining grounded in the local context of Rio de Janeiro.
The biennial's unique approach emphasizes the integration of art into the fabric of the city, with exhibitions spread across various venues from traditional museums to unconventional spaces. This strategy not only democratizes access to art but also creates dialogue between artistic interventions and Rio's distinctive urban landscape, enabling visitors to experience the city through new perspectives.
Through a combination of exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational programs, the Rio Art Biennial strives to foster critical thinking and cultural exchange, positioning Rio de Janeiro as a vital hub for contemporary art in Latin America and beyond.
History & Legacy
The Rio Art Biennial emerged in 2011 as part of a broader movement to revitalize Rio de Janeiro's cultural landscape and position the city as a global center for contemporary art. Since its inception, the biennial has steadily evolved, expanding its reach and ambition with each subsequent edition.
Drawing inspiration from established international biennials but maintaining a distinctly Brazilian character, the Rio Art Biennial has become an important platform for showcasing emerging talent alongside established artists, particularly those from Brazil and Latin America who might be underrepresented in the global art scene.
Inaugural edition of the Rio Art Biennial, establishing a new contemporary art platform in Brazil
Second edition expands to include more venues across the city
Growing international recognition with increased participation from global artists
The biennial adopts a more thematic approach, engaging with social and political issues
Record attendance with over 200,000 visitors across all exhibition venues
Hybrid edition combining physical and digital exhibitions adapting to global challenges
The biennial's evolution continues with new venues and expanded programming
Exhibition Venues
The Rio Art Biennial utilizes a constellation of venues throughout the city, transforming both established cultural institutions and unexpected spaces into galleries for contemporary art. This distributed approach encourages visitors to explore different neighborhoods of Rio while experiencing how art interacts with various architectural and urban contexts.
From the grandeur of traditional museums to the raw energy of repurposed industrial spaces, the diverse venues of the Rio Art Biennial reflect the city's multifaceted character and rich architectural heritage. This strategy of urban engagement has become a defining characteristic of the biennial, distinguishing it from other international art events.
Museu Nacional de Belas Artes
The historic National Fine Arts Museum hosts major exhibitions featuring established artists in its grand neoclassical galleries.
Established in 1937, this iconic museum offers a dialogue between contemporary works and Brazil's artistic heritage.
Museu de Arte Moderna
MAM Rio's modernist building designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy provides a striking backdrop for avant-garde installations.
Located in Flamengo Park with gardens by Roberto Burle Marx, offering views of Guanabara Bay.
Museu do Amanhã
The futuristic "Museum of Tomorrow" designed by Santiago Calatrava hosts technology-focused art installations.
Located on Guanabara Bay, this science museum provides a perfect setting for works exploring the intersection of art and technology.
Museu de Arte do Rio
MAR combines historic and contemporary architecture, offering versatile spaces for diverse artistic expressions.
Located in the revitalized port area, connecting Rio's past and future through art.
Featured Artists
The Rio Art Biennial brings together a diverse array of artistic voices from Brazil and around the world. Reflecting the biennial's commitment to promoting dialogue between local and global perspectives, the featured artists represent a wide range of practices, from traditional media to experimental approaches. Through careful curation, the biennial highlights both established figures and emerging talents, with a particular emphasis on artists from Latin America and the Global South.
Adriana Varejão
Brazilian artist known for her work referencing colonial history and cultural identity through ceramics and azulejos.
Vik Muniz
Internationally renowned for recreating iconic images using unconventional materials, photographed and displayed at large scale.
Ernesto Neto
Creates immersive, sensory environments using stretchy, translucent materials inspired by biomorphic forms.
Gabriel Massan
Emerging artist exploring the boundary between physical and digital realities through immersive installations.
Video Tour
Experience the atmosphere of the Rio Art Biennial through this video exploring the exhibition spaces and featured artworks from previous editions.
Exhibition Gallery
Instagram Feed
Follow the Rio Art Biennial on Instagram for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and featured artworks.
Venue Locations
The Rio Art Biennial takes place across multiple venues throughout Rio de Janeiro, with main exhibition sites centered in the city's cultural districts and historic center.