The Central Pavilion of the Venice Biennale has reopened after a €31 million renovation completed ahead of the 2026 edition. The 16-month project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Culture, streamlined the historic building's interior, concealed technical systems, added new skylights and motorized shades, and introduced outdoor structures to better connect the pavilion to the Giardini landscape.
The renovation is a significant infrastructural investment for one of the art world's most important recurring events, ensuring the 130-year-old pavilion meets contemporary exhibition standards for flexibility, lighting, and sustainability. It represents a major step in a broader Italian government program to enhance Venice's cultural heritage sites linked to the Biennale, setting the stage for the late curator Koyo Kouoh's upcoming exhibition.