Biennale Gardens

The Gardens of the Venice Biennale, also known as the Napoleonic Gardens, are one of the most fascinating and historically significant places in the lagoon city. Located in the Castello district, these gardens are not only a green oasis in a city of stone and water, but also the beating heart of contemporary art, hosting the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious art events in the world. The history of the Biennale Gardens begins in 1807, when Napoleon Bonaparte, during his rule over Italy, ordered the creation of a public green area on land previously occupied by monasteries and gardens. The idea was to offer the Venetian population a recreational space, in line with the new ideals of well-being and leisure promoted by the French Empire. The transformation of the land was entrusted to the architect Giannantonio Selva, already known for the project of the Teatro La Fenice. The gardens cover an area of about 60,000 square meters and are characterized by large grassy areas, centuries-old trees, and shady avenues. Over the years, the Gardens have been enriched with sculptures and monuments celebrating the history and culture of Venice. Among these, the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi stands out, created by Augusto Benvenuti in 1885, which dominates the main entrance. The connection between the Gardens and contemporary art began in 1895, with the first International Art Exhibition, better known as the Venice Biennale. Since then, every two years, artists from around the world gather here to exhibit their works, transforming the Gardens into a crossroads of cultures and artistic trends. Over the years, the Biennale has become a fundamental showcase for contemporary art, hosting artists of the caliber of Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock. The Biennale Gardens are famous for their national pavilions, each representing a different country. Currently, the Gardens host 29 permanent pavilions, including the historic ones of Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, and France, built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each pavilion is an architectural work of art in itself, reflecting the style and characteristics of the country it represents. For example, the Russian pavilion, designed by Aleksej Ščusev in 1914, is a significant example of Russian neoclassical architecture. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Gardens is their ability to transform and adapt to the needs of the different editions of the Biennale. Each exhibition brings new installations, performances, and artistic interventions that interact with the natural and architectural landscape of the Gardens. This continuous dialogue between art and nature makes the Biennale Gardens a dynamic and ever-evolving place. In addition to the Art Biennale, the Gardens also host the Architecture Biennale, inaugurated in 1980. This event, alternating with the Art Biennale, has quickly gained international relevance, becoming a reference point for architects and urban planners around the world. Once again, the national pavilions offer a glimpse of trends and innovations in the field of contemporary architecture. An interesting anecdote concerns Peggy Guggenheim’s participation in the Biennale, the famous American art collector, who in 1948 exhibited her personal collection for the first time at the Gardens. This exhibition marked the beginning of her long relationship with Venice, culminating in the opening of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection at Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.