La Biennale di Venezia
International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most important events in the field of architecture worldwide. Architecture has been part of the Venice Biennale of Arts since 1968, but received its own platform in 1980. In 2023, the Icelandic parliament approved a plan of action on design and architecture for Iceland’s participation in the Venice Biennale and immediately afterwards, preparatory work began.
Now, in 2024, the first open call for a proposal for Iceland’s exhibition for the Venice Biennale of Architecture, which will take place from 10th of May - 23rd of November 2025.
The Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs has entrusted the center of Iceland design and architecture with the project’s execution. Originally, the architecture biennial covered a small part of the historic Arsenale shipyard, but with the growth of the architecture biennial, that part has evolved, expanded and has been part of the exhibition space of the art and architecture biennial ever since, along with the Giardini exhibition area.
The biennale brings together exhibitors working on the architecture and development of man-made environments, including representatives of states, municipalities, architects and designers, experts in construction technology, manufacturers of building materials, investors and developers of buildings to name a few. In 2023, 63 nations participated in the biennial, with more than 285,000 exhibitors from all over the world.
The Icelandic Pavilion is commissioned by Iceland Design and Architecture, which facilitates and promotes design of all kinds as a vital aspect of the future Icelandic society, economy, and culture, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs in Iceland.
The title of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia is, “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” It will be held from Saturday, May 10 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, and is curated by the architect and engineer Carlo Ratti.
