Andrée Bober, founding Director and Curator of Landmarks at the University of Texas at Austin, has attended the Venice Biennale for 25 years and created a comprehensive list of must-see exhibitions, pavilions, and off-the-beaten-path spaces beyond the Giardini and Arsenale. Originally shared with friends, the list now includes a detailed Google Map covering most Venice neighborhoods and is available to the public for the first time. In an interview with Leslie Moody Castro, Bober discusses her approach to navigating the Biennale, memorable past editions such as Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger's 2003 installation and Teresa Margolles' 2009 Mexico pavilion, and the importance of surrendering to Venice's unique rhythm.
This article matters because it provides an insider's practical guide to one of the world's most important art events, the Venice Biennale, which can be overwhelming due to its scale and the city's challenging layout. Bober's curated recommendations and map offer a valuable tool for both seasoned visitors and first-timers, helping them discover hidden gems and navigate the overload of information. The interview also offers personal reflections on how the Biennale has evolved over two decades, highlighting the enduring power of site-specific and off-site exhibitions.