The 2026 Venice Biennale has arrived, and this year's edition is already sparking intense debate, jaw-dropping performances, and unforgettable installations. From transgressive Austrian pavilions to hauntingly beautiful seances, the Biennale continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art. If you're planning your visit, here are the absolute must-see exhibits you cannot miss.
Florentina Holzinger’s Skinny Dippers: A Postapocalyptic Spectacle
Florentina Holzinger has outdone herself with a jaw-dropping performance at the Austrian pavilion. The show opened with the artist suspended upside down from the clappers of a large bell, setting the tone for a chaotic, transgressive experience. Inside the pavilion, visitors encounter a woman riding a speedboat in circles, two others suspended at the top of a pole, and another performer sitting entirely submerged in a tank.
Shockingly, no one is wearing any clothes. Viewers are even invited to use two toilets so that their urine can be purified and pumped into the tank. However, a sewage disaster in another section suggests the project threatens to go dangerously awry. The spectacle was so extreme that four police officers showed up to investigate, making it the talk of the town.
Sanya Kantarovsky’s Eerie Seances at Palazzo Loredan
Sanya Kantarovsky, a brilliant painter born in Moscow and raised in the US, presents a show that feels like stills from very intense films. His paintings are displayed in book-lined rooms with incredible Murano glass chandeliers, creating an atmosphere like a weird seance between the centuries. One particularly striking image shows a naked man crouching in despair at the foot of a bed while a dog cheerfully sits on the pillow.
The exhibition culminates with an incredibly detailed sculpture of a boy's head, also in Murano glass. This show is a must for anyone interested in narrative painting and historical spaces.
Gabrielle Goliath’s Hypnotic Mourners: Elegy
Gabrielle Goliath was caught up in controversy before the Biennale even began. The South African government banned her from appearing because her piece, Elegy, was deemed a “highly divisive” tribute to a Palestinian poet. Despite this, Goliath has staged the work at the Chiesa di Sant’Antonin, a short walk from the Giardini and Arsenale.
The performance is hypnotic: screens show operatically trained female performers holding a single high note. As their voice fades, they step down and are replaced by another singer. Made as a ritual of mourning for women killed in acts of sexualised or racialised violence, this is arguably the exact kind of visceral hit the main show was missing.
Carrie Schneider’s Photographic Curls and Other Standouts
The main In Minor Keys show might have turned off some visitors, but several artists stood out. Akinbode Akinbiyi presents stunning street scenes suspended from the roof, taken all over Francophone Africa. Guadalupe Rosales offers a powerful Chicano archive, while Avi Mograbi presents a devastating directory of lost businesses and lives in Gaza.
Perhaps the chief standout is Carrie Schneider, whose photographic curls invite viewers into intimate, dreamlike states. These works are essential for anyone wanting to see the depth of contemporary photography.
Practical Visitor Tips for the 2026 Venice Biennale
Planning your visit requires strategy. The main venues—Giardini and Arsenale—are vast, so allocate at least two full days. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as crowds are heavy and queues are long.
Consider booking tickets online in advance to avoid sold-out slots. Many pavilions offer free entry after 6 PM on select days, but check individual schedules. For the best experience, visit during weekday mornings when crowds are thinner.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
What is the Venice Biennale?
The Venice Biennale is one of the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions, held every two years in Venice, Italy. It features national pavilions, curated shows, and performances from artists around the globe.
How long does the 2026 Biennale run?
The Biennale typically runs from May through November. Exact dates for 2026 are announced by the organizers, but expect a six-month run with preview days in late April.
Is the Florentina Holzinger pavilion suitable for all audiences?
No. The Austrian pavilion contains nudity, simulated bodily functions, and extreme performance art. It is not recommended for children or those sensitive to graphic content. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Are there free events or performances?
Yes. Many national pavilions host free performances and talks. The Elegy performance by Gabrielle Goliath is free to enter, though donations are encouraged. Check the Biennale's official app for daily schedules.
