The Final Week of the Venice Biennale 2026

The Venice Biennale, one of the world's oldest international art exhibitions, is entering its final week. The 61st International Art Exhibition, which has filled Venice with art since May, closes on November 24th.

This year's exhibition is titled 'In Minor Keys,' carrying a message to listen to subtle, delicate resonances rather than loud, grand voices. And there's a special story behind this exhibition.

A Curator's Final Exhibition

The curator for this year's Venice Biennale was Koyo Kouoh, a Swiss curator of Cameroonian origin. He played a crucial role in elevating the international standing of contemporary African art. Sadly, he passed away in May 2025 while preparing for this exhibition.

However, his exhibition was not halted. The Venice Biennale, in collaboration with his family, decided to proceed with Koyo Kouoh's original vision.

'In Minor Keys' was completed based on the artists and works he personally selected, as well as the exhibition's spatial composition and philosophy. Therefore, this year's Biennale is more than just an international art exhibition; it's also the final artistic message left by a curator.

Listening to Subtle Echoes Over Loud Voices

'In Minor Keys' challenges how we perceive art. Amidst the world's noise and conflicts, it encourages us to move a little slower and pay attention to emotions and stories we might usually overlook.

This exhibition highlights themes closer to everyday life, such as memory, community, nature, and rest, rather than focusing solely on grand narratives or spectacular works.

From the Giardini and Arsenale in Venice to various exhibition spaces across the city, the worlds of different artists connect. It's an experience designed not to find a single answer, but to wander among the works and engage with the exhibition through your own senses.

Special Programs for the Final Ten Days

Until the exhibition concludes on November 24th, the Arsenale will host special programs to commemorate its closing.

From November 13th to 24th, there will be a series of performances, lectures, discussions, and roundtables. Artists and art organizations from around the world will gather to share their insights.

This offers an opportunity to go beyond simply viewing the exhibition, to directly hear the voices of artists, and to contemplate the questions contemporary art is posing.

This year's Venice Biennale concludes on November 24th. The countless artistic moments that unfolded in the water city of Venice are now heading towards their final scene.

The fact that someone's thoughts were realized into an exhibition through the hands of others – perhaps this is the most special story the Venice Biennale offers us this year.