From May 9 to November 22, 2026, the city of Venice will host the 61st edition of the Biennale di Venezia, one of the most important contemporary art exhibitions in the world.
The title of this edition is In Minor Keys, a project conceived by Koyo Kouoh, which the Biennale has chosen to realize faithfully even after her passing in 2025, preserving her artistic and conceptual vision in its entirety. This is therefore a deeply meaningful edition: it does not emerge solely as an exhibition event, but as the cultural and intellectual legacy of the renowned Cameroonian-Swiss art curator who passed away prematurely.
The title and concept, In Minor Keys, evokes the musical idea of minor tonalities: more intimate, reflective, and emotional atmospheres. The exhibition invites visitors to experience art not as spectacle, but as a sensitive and relational experience, made of listening, connections, and small details that tell the story of the contemporary world in a profound way.
Among the main themes that emerge are: the relationship between individuals and communities; memory and cultural identities; the spiritual and everyday dimension of human experience; and the role of art as a space for encounter and transformation.
As per tradition, the exhibition unfolds across the symbolic venues of the Biennale:
- the Giardini della Biennale, in the heart of Venice
- the Arsenale di Venezia, a historic exhibition and architectural space
- and several other locations spread throughout the city
During the Biennale period, Venice thus transforms into a widespread museum, where historic palaces, industrial spaces, and narrow streets become an integral part of an artistic journey in which artworks dialogue with one another like in a musical composition, creating an immersive and non-linear experience. The 2026 edition brings together approximately 110 artists, collectives, and international projects, selected for their ability to create connections between different cultures, geographies, and languages.
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