Venice pavilion reopens

La Biennale presented the renovated Central Pavilion at the Giardini on 19 March 2026. (labiennale.org) Construction ran from December 2024 to March 2026 over a 16‑month schedule, with a reported investment of €31 million. (labiennale.org) The project was financed by the Italian Ministry of Culture through the National Plan for Complementary Investments (PNC) to the PNRR, as part of the “Great Cultural Heritage Attractors” programme. (labiennale.org) Design and delivery were handled by a temporary association led by BUROMILAN with Labics and architect Fabio Fumagalli responsible for architectural design, ia2 Studio Associato on MEP/fire systems and geologist Francesco Aucone on the team, under site supervision by engineer Massimiliano Milan. (labiennale.org) La Biennale’s Special Projects department, directed by architect Arianna Laurenzi with engineer Cristiano Frizzele, oversaw project management and supervision. (archpaper.com) Interiors were reconfigured into neutral, flexible “white‑box” galleries, the Sala Chini was made the accessible core and Sala Brenno del Giudice was redesigned based on 1928 plans; original Carlo Scarpa window fixtures were restored and openings onto the terrace were reinstated. (archpaper.com) Two new external altane‑inspired structures for the café and terrace use thin charred laminated‑wood pillars and X‑LAM panels, and the scheme also adds a bookshop, café, an educational room and upgraded hidden technical systems. (archpaper.com) The pavilion’s refurbishment is one of 22 interventions in the wider La Biennale/City of Venice programme funded under the PNRR, and it was completed ahead of the 61st International Art Exhibition, which opens 9 May 2026 and runs through 22 November 2026 under curator Koyo Kouoh. (labiennale.org (biennale.com)) Deputy Chief of Staff Valerio Sarcone attended the inauguration on behalf of Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. (lapresse.us)