Central Pavilion Giardini Restored Ahead of Venice Art Biennale 2026

Summary

• The Central Pavilion at Giardini della Biennale reopens after a major renovation led by Arianna Laurenzi and Cristiano Frizzele
• Updates include restored historic elements, new rooftop altane and reorganized exhibition spaces
• Sustainable systems integrate skylights, photovoltaics, and ventilation, positioning the Pavilion as the Biennale’s cultural hub

The Central Pavilion at the Giardini della Biennale has reopened ahead of this year’s Venice Art Biennale, following a comprehensive renovation led by architect Arianna Laurenzi and engineer Cristiano Frizzele.

Rather than a conventional restoration, the project reimagines the historic building as a layered, flexible exhibition space while restoring key architectural elements. The renewed Pavilion emphasizes spatial hierarchy and legibility, with Sala Chini transformed into a distribution space leading to neutral galleries designed for diverse curatorial formats.

Service areas such as a café, bookshop and educational spaces are clearly separated from exhibition circuits. Notable restorations include Carlo Scarpa’s original window systems and the reconfiguration of Sala Brenno del Giudice to its 1928 layout. Openings toward the canal-facing terrace were reinstated, strengthening the building’s dialogue with its landscape. Two rooftop structures inspired by Venetian altane were added, constructed from charred laminated wood and X-LAM panels, offering elevated views while maintaining architectural balance.

The renovation integrates environmental and technical systems into a unified framework. Skylights with photovoltaic and diffusing glass provide natural lighting and energy efficiency, while operable elements enable ventilation and shading. Infrastructure was embedded within walls and roofing to preserve interior clarity. These strategies align the Pavilion with contemporary sustainability standards, ensuring material efficiency and environmental control.

The renovation was overseen by the Biennale’s Special Projects Department under Arianna Laurenzi and Cristiano Frizzele. Designed by Labics in collaboration with Fabio Fumagalli, the intervention was funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The reopening positions the Pavilion once again as the Biennale’s central hub, with its first exhibition, In Minor Keys curated by Koyo Kouoh, opening on May 9, 2026.