Venice Biennale: Central Pavilion unveiled
The Venice Art Biennale unveiled a newly renovated Central Pavilion at the Giardini ahead of the 2026 show, and the Korean Pavilion — curated by Binna Choi — will center on themes of ‘liberation’ (architecturalrecord.com) (koreaherald.com). The city is also rolling out a new access fee for visitors this year, which could change planning for cultural trips to Venice (travelandtourworld.com).
The renovation carried out between December 2024 and March 2026 cost €31 million and was completed over a 16‑month schedule. (labiennale.org) The work was financed under the Ministry of Culture’s National Plan for Complementary Investments (PNC) linked to the PNRR and forms one of 22 interventions across Biennale sites commissioned under the “Great Cultural Heritage Attractors” programme. (labiennale.org) La Biennale’s Special Projects department — led by architect Arianna Laurenzi with engineer Cristiano Frizzele — managed a team that developed the programme with BUROMILAN (Milan Ingegneria S.p.A.) and Labics as the lead firms. (labiennale.org) The restoration reconfigures roughly 3,500 square metres, includes anti‑seismic consolidation, a new energy‑efficient ventilated roof and two outdoor structures inspired by the Venetian altana to protect terraces, while interiors were redesigned for neutral, flexible exhibition spaces and improved accessibility. (buromilan.com) Deputy Chief of Staff Valerio Sarcone attended the pavilion inauguration on behalf of Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, an appearance made amid a public dispute over the Biennale’s invitation to Russia. (lapresse.us) Commissioned by ARKO, curator Binna Choi has invited Seoul‑based Goen Choi and New York–based Hyeree Ro as the Korean Pavilion’s principal artists for a project framed as a “Liberation Space.” (biennialfoundation.org) The pavilion’s site‑specific works include Choi’s installation "Meridian," which uses repurposed copper pipes to trace and reopen blocked flows, and Ro’s "Bearing," a translucent, wax‑coated membrane intended to envelop the pavilion as a protective, care‑oriented structure. (en.yna.co.kr) Venice’s 2026 access‑fee calendar covers 60 chargeable days (mostly weekends and holidays) with payment required during set hours, and day‑trippers must register for a QR code through the Venezia Unica system. (ciaoitalia.travel) For 2026 rates, the fee is published at €5 per person when booked at least four days in advance and €10 per person for bookings within the final three days, with exemptions including children under 14 and complimentary QR codes for overnight guests. (ciaoitalia.travel)
