The must-see events for summer 2021 in Venice

This year, Venice is celebrating the 1600th anniversary of its founding. To celebrate this anniversary, the city has organized a rich programme of events, shows, conferences and museum itineraries staged by local organisations and institutions. We have drawn up a list of the most interesting exhibitions that will be livening up Venice’s cultural life this summer.

The 2021 Biennale of Architecture 

The 17th International Architecture Exhibition is being held from 22 May to 21 November 2021. The theme of the event is: How will we live together? The Exhibition includes works by over 110 participants, from 46 countries, who will try to answer the question posed by the curator Hashim Sarkis: how do we imagine the future? How will humans, animals and the environment live together? The Exhibition is structured in five thematic areas, three in the Arsenale – Among Diverse Beings, As New Households, As Emerging Communities – and two in the Padiglione Centrale – Across Borders and As One Planet.

Other exhibitions you absolutely cannot miss:

• Un’evidenza fantascientifica. Luigi Ghirri, Andrea Zanzotto, Giuseppe Caccavale

From 14 May to 17 October 2021 at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia you will find this interesting project in which photography, painting and poetry enter into dialogue together. The works of Ghirri, the famous photographer from Emilia-Romagna, encounter the drawings of the artist Caccavale and the writings of Andrea Zanzotto, the experimental hermetic poet.

• Stop painting. Peter Fischli

Ca’ Corner della Regina, the Venetian headquarters of the Fondazione Prada, is staging the exhibition Stop Painting from 22 May to 21 November 2021. The exhibition comprises 110 works by more than 80 artists, who try to respond to their doubts about the digital revolution and the influence that this will have on painting. Will there be another crisis or will we see a radical paradigm shift? 

• Andy Warhol: An American Artist

The Museo Civico della Laguna Sud is hosting Andy Warhol: An America Artist until 12 September, an exhibition that seeks to portray the man behind the artist. It does so through an itinerary comprising over 50 works– including a selection of videos, documentaries from the Factory and films by the artist – set in the context of the Museum’s permanent collection, to create a sensory weave of material culture and contemporary art.

Where to stay in Venice

The Maison Venezia | UNA Esperienze lets you immerse yourself in the historic district of Cannaregio. The prestigious building that houses the hotel has been restored and returned to its former splendour: it promises guests a comfortable stay in the most authentic Venetian style. Not far from the Piazza San Marco, in one of the Historic Bars of Italy, is the UNAHOTELS ALA Venezia. Its panoramic terrace offers breathtaking views over the city. For those who prefer to stay in a quieter area that is easily reached on public transport, the UNAWAY Ecohotel Villa Costanza Venezia near the centre of Mestre is waiting to welcome you.