Introduction
The Venice Architecture Biennale (La Biennale di Architettura di Venezia) is one of the world's most prestigious platforms for showcasing contemporary architectural practice, discourse, and innovation. Established in 1980 under the presidency of Giuseppe Galasso with Paolo Portoghesi as its first director, the Architecture Biennale was created as a dedicated section of the broader Venice Biennale cultural institution.
Held in odd-numbered years (following a calendar shift after the COVID-19 pandemic), the exhibition transforms Venice's historic venues into vibrant forums for architectural exploration and discussion. The primary exhibition venues are the Giardini with its national pavilions, and the Arsenale complex with its former shipyards and armories. Additional exhibitions and events extend throughout the city, creating a comprehensive architectural experience.
Structure & Format
The Venice Architecture Biennale is structured around two main components that create a dynamic dialogue between curatorial vision and national representation:
International Exhibition: Curated by a prominent architect or theorist appointed by the Biennale's board, this central exhibition develops around a specific theme that reflects contemporary architectural concerns. It brings together architects, designers, artists, and thinkers from around the world to explore pressing issues through installations, research projects, and proposals.
National Participations: Currently numbering over 60 countries, national pavilions present exhibitions developed independently by each participating nation. The permanent national pavilions in the Giardini reflect the geopolitical landscape of the early 20th century, while newer participants establish temporary venues throughout Venice. This structure creates a fascinating interplay between global architectural discourse and distinct national perspectives.
Additional components include Collateral Events (independent exhibitions approved by the curator) and a robust program of talks, workshops, and educational activities. The Biennale typically runs for six months, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.
History & Evolution
Although officially established as an independent section in 1980, architecture had been featured in the Venice Biennale since 1968 within the art exhibition. The first dedicated Architecture Biennale in 1980, titled "The Presence of the Past" and directed by Paolo Portoghesi, focused on postmodernism, setting a precedent for exhibitions that would reflect and influence architectural discourse.
Over four decades, the Biennale has evolved from a relatively specialized event into one of architecture's most significant global platforms. Each edition reflects the shifting concerns of the discipline, from postmodernism and historical contextualism in the early years to contemporary focuses on social equity, climate change, and technological transformation.
First architectural initiative at the Biennale with the exhibition "A proposito del Mulino Stucky" curated by Vittorio Gregotti
First official International Architecture Exhibition established under Paolo Portoghesi with the theme "The Presence of the Past"
Architecture section continues to develop with exhibitions on housing and architectural drawing
Francesco Dal Co directs the fifth Architecture Biennale, inviting national pavilions to participate for the first time
Golden Lion awards instituted for the Architecture Biennale with first recipients Ignazio Gardella, Philip Johnson, and Oscar Niemeyer
Expansion into new themes including urban planning and landscape architecture
Calendar shift to odd-numbered years following the pandemic postponement of the 2020 edition
Curatorial Themes
Each edition of the Venice Architecture Biennale is organized around a central theme proposed by the appointed curator. These themes serve as conceptual frameworks that reflect the pressing concerns and discourses of contemporary architecture. Recent editions have engaged with issues of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and the evolving role of the architect in addressing global challenges.
2023: The Laboratory of the Future
"The laboratory of the future is Africa and its diaspora, a fluid and enmeshed culture of people of African descent that now straddles the globe."
Curator: Lesley Lokko
2021: How Will We Live Together?
"How will we live together? is as much a social and political question as a spatial one."
Curator: Hashim Sarkis
2018: Freespace
"Freespace describes a generosity of spirit and a sense of humanity at the core of architecture's agenda."
Curators: Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara
2025: Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.
"Exploring multiple forms of intelligence in response to a burning world."
Curator: Carlo Ratti
Golden Lion Awards
The Venice Architecture Biennale's highest honor is the Golden Lion (Leone d'Oro), awarded to outstanding exhibitors in several categories. Established for the Architecture Biennale in 1996, these prestigious awards recognize exceptional contributions to architectural discourse and practice, highlighting innovative approaches and groundbreaking ideas.
The international jury typically awards Golden Lions in three main categories: Best National Participation, Best Participant in the International Exhibition, and Lifetime Achievement. Additionally, a Silver Lion is awarded to a promising young participant, and special mentions may be given to noteworthy exhibitions.
Recent Golden Lion Winners
Best National Participation (2023)
Brazil – "Terra" | Curators: Gabriela de Matos and Paulo Tavares
Best Participant in International Exhibition (2023)
DAAR (Alessandro Petti and Sandi Hilal)
Lifetime Achievement (2023)
Demas Nwoko (Nigeria)
Lifetime Achievement (2025)
Donna Haraway (USA)
Exhibition Gallery
Video Tour
Experience the atmosphere and exhibitions of the Venice Architecture Biennale through this video tour of recent pavilions and installations.
Instagram Feed
Follow the latest updates and highlights from the Venice Architecture Biennale on Instagram.
Exhibition Venues
The Venice Architecture Biennale is primarily hosted in two historic locations, with additional exhibitions spread throughout the city:
Giardini della Biennale: The historical garden area houses 29 permanent national pavilions, each representing a different country. These pavilions, many designed by notable architects of their time, showcase the architectural philosophies and cultural identities of their respective nations.
Arsenale: A complex of former shipyards and armories that once powered Venice's naval industry, the Arsenale has been transformed into exhibition spaces. Its dramatic industrial architecture provides a striking backdrop for contemporary installations and large-scale presentations.
City-wide Locations: Beyond the main venues, exhibitions extend throughout Venice in historic palazzos, churches, and public spaces, creating a comprehensive architectural journey through the city.