Venice Pavilion reopens
Venice’s Central Pavilion reopened after a 16‑month, €31 million restoration just in time for the 2026 Art Biennale — the renovated Giardini hub is primed to host landmark exhibitions this season. The overhaul reinforces Venice’s architectural and cultural pull for spring visitors. (wallpaper.com)
La Biennale formally presented the renovated Central Pavilion at the Giardini on March 19, 2026. (labiennale.org)) The refit was financed by the Italian Ministry of Culture through the National Plan for Complementary Investments (PNC) of the PNRR as part of the “Great Cultural Heritage Attractors” programme and is one element of a wider programme of 22 interventions across Biennale sites. (labiennale.org)) Project oversight was handled by La Biennale’s Special Projects office under architect Arianna Laurenzi and engineer Cristiano Frizzele, with the work developed by a temporary association led by BUROMILAN alongside Labics, architect Fabio Fumagalli, ia2 Studio Associato and site supervisor engineer Massimiliano Milan. (labiennale.org)) The intervention reorganised the pavilion into neutral, flexible white‑box exhibition spaces covering just under 33,400 square feet to accommodate contemporary displays. (architecturalrecord.com)) Structural and envelope works included consolidation of historic masonry with anti‑seismic measures, replacement of the roof with a more energy‑efficient ventilated system, and the addition of two external canopies inspired by the Venetian altana to shelter a new cafeteria terrace and a multipurpose‑hall terrace. (buromilan.com)) Construction began in December 2024 and was completed in March 2026, after which installation work for the 61st International Art Exhibition — scheduled to open on May 9, 2026 — will proceed. (labiennale.org)) The project also sought to improve visitor and logistics routes and accessibility throughout the building, and involved landscape design input from Stefano Olivari alongside interior additions such as a dedicated pavilion bookstore. (buromilan.com))
