Giardini della Biennale

The Giardini della Biennale are green spaces at Venice's eastern edge with around 30 national pavilions housing art exhibitions. The site combines open lawns and tree-lined areas with smaller structures arranged throughout along pathways and small clearings.

The site was originally marshland that Napoleon had transformed into a public garden through architect Gian Antonio Selva in 1807. This transformation required the demolition of two Renaissance churches that once stood here.

These gardens host the Venice Biennale, an international art event that has drawn creators and art enthusiasts since 1895. National pavilions throughout the space display contemporary works and shape the character of the setting with their architecture.

Keep in mind that access is limited: roughly one-third of the total area is open to the public outside of Biennale events. Check ahead about current opening times and exhibitions, as accessibility changes depending on the event calendar.

Several pavilions were designed by renowned architects, including Josef Hoffmann's Austria Pavilion and Gerrit Rietveld's Netherlands Pavilion. These buildings are independent architectural works rather than simple exhibition spaces.