Planning a trip to the Venice Biennale means understanding that the art exhibition does not have a separate public vernissage like many film festivals do. Instead, it opens to the public on the announced start date, and access during the opening week is the same as any other day: you buy a ticket and walk in. The 61st International Art Exhibition, titled In Minor Keys, runs from 9 May to 22 November 2026 at the Giardini, Arsenale, and other venues across the city. Official information from La Biennale di Venezia is the most reliable way to confirm hours and access policies.
When and Where: Dates and Venues
The 61st International Art Exhibition runs from 9 May to 22 November 2026, so you have over six months to plan around your other travel dates. The main venues are the Giardini, the Arsenale, and Forte Marghera, with additional national pavilions and collateral events scattered across Venice; all main exhibition tickets include admission to both Giardini and Arsenale, and you can start your visit at either venue. If you want a full overview of the historical rhythm of this event, including how it alternates between art and architecture, check the Venice Biennale Dates. A single ticket gives you one entrance to each of those two historic sites, which you can use on separate days if you prefer.
Public Opening Hours: Summer vs. Autumn Schedules
Opening hours change twice during the exhibition, so check the schedule before you set out. From 9 May to 27 September, the Giardini and Arsenale open at 11 am and close at 7 pm, with last admission at 6:45 pm; from late September through November, hours shift earlier to 10 am–6 pm. One notable perk during summer is that the Arsenale stays open until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays until the end of September. The exhibition is closed on Mondays except on several dates such as 7 September and 16 November, and individual pavilions may deviate from these times: for instance, the Austrian Pavilion is temporarily closed on Tuesdays, while the Netherlands Pavilion stays shut on open Mondays and Tuesdays at Giardini. Always consult the official visitor information for any changes announced close to your visit.
Ticket Types for the General Public
La Biennale sells several types of public tickets, all of which can be purchased online in advance. A one-access ticket costs €30 and allows one entry to each venue, while reduced tickets are available for visitors over 65, Venice residents, and students under 26 (around €16–€20) with valid ID required at the entrance. If you have more time, a 3-day ticket costs €40 and is valid for three consecutive days (excluding closing days), and a weekly ticket costs €50 for seven consecutive days; multi-day tickets are strictly personal and require a valid ID. Children up to six years old enter free, and visitors with certified disabilities receive reduced entry and can obtain a free ticket for an accompanying person under certain conditions. For full details and conditions, see the official ticket information page.
Accreditation for Press and Art Professionals
The Venice Biennale distinguishes between general admission and press accreditation; there is no separate public vernissage or preview weekend. Journalists who want to cover the exhibition can request a discounted press ticket, which costs €16 and is valid for the entire run of the show, giving one entrance to the Giardini and one to the Arsenale (even on different days). To obtain this ticket, you must show a valid professional press card at the infopoints at the venues, or, if you lack a card, you need to submit an online accreditation form at least 48 hours before your visit, together with a letter of assignment from your editor in chief. The application is reviewed by the press office, and once approved you receive a discount code for online purchase; the ticket is strictly personal, non-transferable, and non-refundable. Full requirements are listed on the official accreditation page.
Who Qualifies for Press Accreditation and What Documents Are Required
Press accreditation is intended for working journalists and media professionals, not for art world insiders like curators or collectors. According to the official rules, you must provide either a valid professional press card or a letter of assignment signed by your editor in chief; applications without these documents are not considered. For journalists who already hold a press card, the discounted ticket can be requested on the spot at the Arsenale or Giardini infopoints. Those buying in advance must submit the online form, and the press office will email a discount code if the request is approved. Remember that the press ticket, like all Biennale tickets, is personal and non-transferable, and you will need to show a valid ID at the entrance.
Special Access: Reduced and Free Tickets for Eligible Visitors
Beyond the standard categories, the Biennale offers special prices and free admission for several groups. Visitors with a certified disability can purchase a one-access ticket at the reduced price of €20, available at the ticket offices at Giardini or Arsenale upon presentation of the necessary documents. If the disability certification states that the person requires accompaniment, one companion can receive a complimentary ticket, provided they present the European Disability Card with code A or a redacted medical commission report. Additionally, members of organisations such as FAI, ACI, COOP, CRAL DOGANE, OCRAD, TCI, and CONAF can access concessionary one-access tickets at €26. Children up to 6 years old enter free, as do school groups participating in Biennale Educational activities.
Practical Tips for Visiting: Best Times and Getting There
The exhibition tends to be more crowded on weekends, so if you prefer a quieter visit, plan for a weekday. The official advice recommends visiting between May and September, when you can enjoy the extended Friday and Saturday hours at the Arsenale, and possibly combine your trip with other Biennale festivals like Dance, Theatre, or the Venice International Film Festival, which run from June to September. To reach the venues, you can take ACTV water buses: line 1 or 4.1 stops at both Arsenale and Giardini, while line 5.1 serves Giardini as well. From Marco Polo Airport, the Alilaguna Blue line connects to Arsenale, and then you can transfer by vaporetto. For a fuller picture of what else is on in Venice during your stay, you might browse the calendar of Festivals in Venice.
Navigating the Pavilions and Collateral Events
Understanding how the Biennale is structured helps you manage your time. The exhibition is divided between the Giardini and the Arsenale, with an international show curated by Koyo Kouoh alongside dozens of national pavilions built over the decades. In addition, about 31 collateral events are spread across Venice, often in palazzos or galleries accessible without a Biennale ticket. For a detailed map and an explanation of the pavilions and collateral events, see our guide to Venice Biennale national pavilions and collateral events map. When planning your route, remember that the two main venues are about a 30-minute walk apart (or a short vaporetto ride), and you may want to set aside a full day for each if you want to see everything thoroughly.
Plan Your Visit
With the exhibition running from early May to late November 2026, you can adjust your travel plans to suit your season. Tickets can be purchased online and are subject to a small presale fee; you can also choose to buy at the venue, but reservations are recommended. Before you go, verify the latest opening hours and any special closure notices on the Biennale's official website, as pavilion schedules can change. For a richer trip, combine the art with other events in Venice and explore the city's other festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Venice Biennale open to the public?
The Venice Biennale art exhibition opens to the public on the first day of the event, which for 2026 is 9 May. There is no separate public vernissage; the exhibition is open to everyone from that date until 22 November, except on Mondays when closed.
What are the public opening hours for Biennale Arte 2026?
From 9 May to 27 September, the Giardini and Arsenale are open 11 am–7 pm, with the Arsenale staying open until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. From 29 September to 22 November, hours are 10 am–6 pm. The exhibition is closed on Mondays except on a few dates such as 7 September and 16 November.
How much do Biennale tickets cost and what types are available?
Ticket prices and types are set by La Biennale di Venezia. Pricing varies by category, such as one-access, multi-day, and reduced tickets for students, seniors, and Venice residents. For the current official price list, check the Biennale's ticket information page on labiennale.org.
Can the general public attend the vernissage or preview days?
The Venice Biennale does not offer a public vernissage or separate preview days. The exhibition is open to the general public from the official opening date. Press accreditation is a separate category and does not grant access before the opening.
Who qualifies for press accreditation?
Press accreditation is for working journalists. You must provide a valid professional press card or a letter of assignment from your editor in chief. The application is processed by the Biennale press office, and approved journalists receive a discounted ticket.
Are there reduced ticket prices for students or seniors?
Yes, reduced tickets are available for visitors over 65, students under 26, and Venice residents. A valid ID is required at the entrance. There are also special prices for visitors with disabilities and for certain cardholders, such as FAI or TCI members.
