Art travel bucket list: Italy
Per a reader request, this is the first post of My Art Travel Bucket List. Last week, I was fortunate to travel to Italy for a short road trip with my husband. We ended our time with two days in Venice to meet up with friends and visit the Venice Biennale. Here’s the rundown so you can add it to your travel bucket list.
What is it?
The Venice Biennale (pronounced Bia-nahl-lay) is a bi-annual art event in Venice, Italy. Countries from around the world have a pavilion or location in Venice where they stage an exhibit by an artist or group of artists chosen to represent their country. It is the original biennale event in which others around the world are now modeled. Beginning first in 1895, this was the 57th iteration of the event.
Where is it?
All around Venice. The formal Biennale is based in a park, the Giardini. The Giardini was where we spent the most of our time. Above, however, is a photo of myself and my husband in Iceland’s exhibit on La Giudecca island. It was a short 20 minute ferry ride from the main island. If you head over to see La Giudecca and the exhibits over there, definitely have a drink at the Skyline Bar at the Hilton. So lovely. Below is a photo of the exterior of the United States’ pavilion which featured Martin Puryear.
Additionally there is a main location called the Arsenale. We hiked over because I had been longing to see the Lorenzo Quinn sculptures, Building Bridges. They were worth every step.
The Giardini area has pavilion from numerous nations, each with a different look, as the nation is able to select their architect for the permanent structure.
When is it?
Bi-annually, on odd-numbered years, during the summer months. Pavilions were open from 10am - 6pm each day and you’ll need 2 days to see everything.
Final Thoughts: This was an event that truly lived up to the hype. It was amazing to me how each pavilion was so different and many captured the psyche of the host country. Canada’s exhibit was named “People working together” and was every bit as friendly and welcoming as I think of them. Japan was a highlight for many of us. There was a sense of discovery and unexpected joy. I loved how many of the exhibits were interactive, and many truly encouraged engagement.
I can’t recommend this experience enough. And if you go, make time for the Peggy Guggenheim Collection too. It was such a treat to be able to walk through a palazzo I had read so much about over the years. Peggy was a brazen woman and enthusiastic collector. I’ve always thought we would get along due to our mutual love of living with art and kooky sunglasses.
Happy traveling!
