Australian pavilion, National pavilion at Giardini della Biennale, Venice, Italy.

The Australian pavilion is a minimalist black structure within the Giardini della Biennale covering 240 square meters, built with concrete and steel elements. The building provides flexible exhibition spaces that are regularly reconfigured for rotating displays.

Australia has shown at the Biennale since 1954, but its first pavilion, designed by Philip Cox as a temporary structure of fibre cement and steel, opened only in 1988 at the western edge of the Giardini. Franco Belgiorno-Nettis lobbied so that Australia beat 16 countries for the last permanent site there. Cox and donors gave the building to the Commonwealth; it was replaced in 2015 by Denton Corker Marshall's permanent pavilion.

The pavilion presents contemporary Australian art that frequently incorporates Indigenous perspectives alongside modern artistic expressions. Visitors encounter works reflecting the diverse artistic traditions and voices of Australia.

The pavilion stands at the western edge of the Giardini della Biennale, among the national pavilions. The 2015 building has two storeys, with 240 m2 of exhibition space; the black granite exterior is easy to recognise. Access is from the Giardini paths, and the displays change with each Biennale edition.

Archie Moore's exhibition here won the Golden Lion for Best National Participation in 2024. This award highlights how contemporary Australian artists are gaining international recognition.