May 2017 marks the start of FEST300, the Biennale International Exhibitions in Venice. For those who love contemporary culture, this is a must!
The location of the main exhibit spaces are the Giardini and Arsenal areas of the city. Both are located close together for ease of access.
Map of the primary locations for the Bienale in Venice 2017
This is a huge international event and hotels always book early. The closer to the dates of the Biennale, the more room prices increase and availability decreases.
Not only art is highlighted. There are events running concurrently in Architecture, Dance, Cinema, Music and Theater.
So, book early. As an example, the 2013 Biennale featured the works of 150 artists housed in eighty-eight country pavilions. Over 475,000 visitors viewed exhibits during the seven months of the event.
Chiharu Shiota, Japan’s representative at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015
Here are some additional things to keep in mind should you visit Venice during this event.
2015 Exhibit – “Cool Hunting”
Make a plan of attack There’s enough to see at the Biennale (not to mention the rest of Venice) to easily take up five days.
Tips for getting to multiple venues The Biennale’s main two exhibit spaces are relatively easy to navigate but if you’re headed to the 50-odd other Biennale venues scattered throughout Venice it helps to have a multi-day vaporetto (public boat transportation) pass, comfortable walking shoes and a smart phone with a GPS service to find your way through the city’s tricky geography (but ask your cell phone provider about the cost of roaming charges before you go!).
The city is the festival Besides the Giardini and Arsenale, other important Biennale venues are at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, the Palazzo Grassi and the Punta della Dogana, the city’s Renaissance-era former Customs House and now a private museum of contemporary art on a stunning location where the Grand Canal meets the Giudecca Canal.
For all further information, please visit the Venezia Biennale Web Site.
Information about Tourist assistance, including accommodation details, in Venice is found at the Tourist Information Office Venezia.