Events

The Biennale

Since 1895 it has been one of the most important cultural institutions in the world for the promotion of contemporary art. The Biennale organizes the International Art Exhibition, the International Architecture Exhibition, the Festival of Contemporary Music, the Theatre Festival, the Festival of Contemporary Dance and the famous International Film Festival on Lido. The International Art Exhibition as well as the International Architecture Exhibition are held in the historical seat at Giardini, a park that houses 30 permanent national pavilions. The exhibitions are also held in some spaces of the old Venetian Arsenal (Historical State Shipyard).

The Biennale International Architecture Exhibition 2010 edition

The exhibition is open from August 29th 2010 until November 21st 2010. The 12th edition of the Architecture Exhibition will be directed, for the first time in its history, by a woman, Kazuyo Sejima. It will be titled People Meet in Architecture.

Regata Storica - September 5th 2010

Every year on the first Sunday afternoon of September, the Historical Regatta takes place in Venice. This is the most traditional of all the Venetian events. A great number of people, visitors but also many Venetians, crowd the Grand Canal's banks, bridges and the palace's balconies to watch the spectacular Regatta. This sumptuous event consists of two parts: the historical parade and the rowing boat races. At the head of the historical procession on water is the Bucintoro, the famous Doge's gilded ceremonial galley. Later in the afternoon, there are races in different classes of boats, all of them traditional wooden boats of the lagoon. There are also classes for women and juniors.

Venice marathon - 2010 edition, October 24th

Every year, on the fourth Sunday of October, more than 6,000 athletes cover 42,125 km from Strà to Venice in this international running competition. The competition starts from the famous Villa Pisani in Strà and crosses the marvellous Brenta Riviera Palladian Villas. It finishes in Venice beside St. Mark's Square at Riva dei Sette Martiri, after passing through a bridge over the Grand Canal made of boats.

Vogalonga - 2010 edition, Sunday May 24th

Vogalonga, which translates as "Long-row", is a non-competitive rowing event, a kind of rally for thousands of rowing-boats. It takes place on the Ascension Day when the city of Venice celebrated the "Wedding with the Sea". The first Vogalonga was in 1976 and was originally intended to make the Venetians aware of the swell created by engine-powered boats. It is a 32 kilometre rowing regatta which starts in the wonderful Bacino di San Marco, moves towards the islands of the northern lagoon, and, through Cannaregio, goes along the Grand Canal. This event is a wonderful opportunity to discover the lagoon and its unique environment. More than 6,000 rowing-boats participated in the event in 2009.