The Venice Architecture Biennale returns for its 19th edition, featuring exhibits by over 750 participants and 66 national pavilions.
Curator and theme
The 2025 edition of the biennale is curated by architect Carlo Ratti. His chosen theme is Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.
The theme aims to address the future of intelligence, urging participants to explore all forms of intelligence, rather than simply technological advances. Science and technology play a significant role in the festival, with exhibitions and pavilions outlining how they can be utilised with architecture to mitigate climate issues.
Read our interview with Carlo Ratti ›
Venues
Most of the key exhibits are concentrated at two venues:
Giardini della Biennale
Sestiere Castello
30122 Venice
Arsenale di Venezia
Sestiere Castello
Camp Della Tana 2169/F
30122 Venice
Although there are some pavilions located in other locations throughout Venice, as well as a host of collateral events taking place throughout the city.
National pavilions and international exhibition
Each venue is split into two sections: national pavilions commissioned by different countries and an international exhibition that brings together hundreds of participants from around the world to explore Ratti's curatorial theme.
This year, there are 66 national pavilions. Twenty-six of these are at the Giardini and 22 are at the Arsenale. A further 15 are situated in other locations around Venice.
The majority of the international exhibition is located at the Arsenale this year, as the Central Pavilion at the Giardini, which usually hosts a significant part of the international exhibition, is closed for maintenance. However, there are still 10 international exhibits spread across different locations in the Giardini.
Read about 10 key themes at this year's international exhibition ›
Golden Lion-winning projects
Each year, a jury awards Golden Lions to the best national pavilion and the best project at the international exhibition.
This year, Bahrain won the Golden Lion for best pavilion and Diller Scofidio + Renfro won the Golden Lion for best project. Both are located at the Arsenale.
Read about the Golden Lion-winning Bahrain pavilion ›
Read about the Golden Lion-winning Canal Cafe project ›
Special mentions were given to the British pavilion (pictured top), which is located at the Giardini, and the Holy See pavilion, which is in a former oratory at the Santa Maria Ausiliatrice complex located between the Arsenale and the Giardini.
Projects to get a special mention in the international exhibition include Elephant Chapel by architect Boonserm Premthada, and a film by Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo titled Alternative Urbanism. Both are located at the Arsenale.
Read about the Golden Lion awards and special mentions ›
Dates and times
The biennale takes place from 10 May to 23 November 2025.
From 10 May to 28 September, Giardini della Biennale is open from 11:00am to 7:00pm, with last admission at 6:45pm, and Arsenale di Venezia is open from 11:00am to 8:00pm, with last admission at 7:45pm. From 30 September, both venues are open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with last admission at 5:45 pm.
The exhibition is closed on Mondays, except 12 May, 2 June, 21 July, 1 September, 20 October and 17 November.
Tickets
General admission is €25.
Dezeen coverage
Alongside our interview with Ratti, Dezeen is reporting on the key exhibitions and pavilions at the biennale.
Read all our Venice Architecture Biennale coverage ›
Top photograph is by Andrea Avezzù courtesy of the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 takes place from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at various locations across Venice, Italy.