Guide Here’s what to see and do at this year’s edition, including national pavilions, collateral exhibitions, and notable events. April 23, 2026 — 8 min read Sculptures by Manolo Valdés in Piazza San Marco as part of the 2022 Venice Biennale (all photos Hrag Vartanian/ Hyperallergic ) The art world Olympics returns for another season of political drama and nationalist angling for domination. This is one of the only times that the grotesque machinations of the global art ecosystem come into full focus, as artists no longer hide behind vague, theoretical ideas like “liminal spaces” and the world of art is splayed out for all to see. The Venice Biennale is the world’s first art biennial, and it’s the reason your obnoxious art friend and that one culture vulture you know says “BI-en- NAH -le” and not “biennial” like most other humans to refer to cultural events that take place every two years.…