The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will open to the public from 9 May to 22 November 2026, unfolding across the Giardini, the Arsenale and multiple sites throughout Venice. Titled “In Minor Keys”, the exhibition was conceived by curator Koyo Kouoh, whose vision will be realised posthumously following her passing in May 2025.

Developed with rigour and clarity, Kouoh’s project sets out a philosophical and curatorial framework shaped through sustained dialogue with artists, writers and collaborators. Her approach will guide every aspect of the exhibition, from its spatial design to its intellectual architecture.

This edition also marks a significant moment for African representation, with 12 national pavilions confirmed. Participating countries include Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Republic of Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Four of these nations will present pavilions for the first time, signalling an important shift in the visibility and presence of African perspectives within the Biennale.

Source: La Biennale