Venice Biennale Opens with Pavilions from Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Palestine

The 61st Art Biennale in Venice opened its first public day on May 9 2026 after a press preview marked by relentless drizzle that turned the city's Giardini park into a giant mud patch scattered with unavoidable puddles. Demonstrators from the Pussy Riot group held a protest at the Venice Biennale's International Art Exhibition on May 7 2026. The exhibition runs until November 22 2026.

A mass resignation of the Biennale jury over Israel's and Russia's participation prompted protests in the days that followed. Russia, Ukraine, Israel and the Palestinians are all simultaneously present at the Venice Biennale this year. One participant described the mix as akin to inviting a serial killer to a dinner among friends.

Inside the park, more than two dozen national pavilions hosting individual exhibitions provided respite from the rain during the preview. The Biennale is meant to be an international gathering showcasing the cream of the art world, with a humongous exhibition at its center surrounded by exhibitions in national pavilions.

None of that focus was evident from the discourse this year, which centered on the news dominating the individual countries involved.

Withdrawn countries, postponed ceremonies and a fractured jury have turned the world's oldest art exhibition into a stage for geopolitical tension. The Venice Biennale is the world’s oldest art exhibition. At this year’s event, the story isn’t just about what’s on display but what’s missing.

The art is getting drowned out in the controversy.