The Biennale in Venice 2013

Take advantage of one of this year's biggest and longest running contemporary arts festivals, the 55th Venice Biennale running from 1st of June to the 24th of November.
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Running every second year since 1895 and now encompassing contemporary art, theatre, dance, music, architecture, and the renowned Venice International Film Festival, the Venice Biennale is the pinnacle of the international arts scene.

Bringing pavilions from 37 countries with over 150 artists, Biennale brings art lovers from the world over and our guide gives you the heads up on the places to be. Head over to the Ca’ Giustinian to pick up your tickets and map of events and get ready to soak up the fun.

Art

The centrepiece of Biennale in Venice is the contemporary arts exhibition. Comprising pavilions and installations by hundreds of artists from around the world and centred around both the Giardini and the Arsenale, the shows run from the 1st of June to the 24th of November and should not be missed.

The famous Venetian Arsenal, the complex of former shipyards, is a focal point while many of the pavilions fill the lush gardens of the Giardini and perfect for wandering through the fascinating and exciting installations.

Architecture

The 14th International Architecture Exhibition runs from the 7th of June to the 23rd of November and is quickly becoming one of the highlights of Biennale. It follows a similar plan as the contemporary arts, featuring installations from each of the 37 participating countries and filling pavilions in the Giardini and the Arsenale.

Theatre

Now in its 42nd edition, the International Theatre Festival is the perfect chance to catch some of the best and brightest in the world theatre scene. It runs from the 1st to the 11th of August, directed by Alex Rigola and includes conferences as well as the performances in the renowned theatre spaces of the Arsenale.

The Teatro alla Tese is a particular gem, a convertible theatre housed beneath the vast arches where ships sails were once stretched.

Dance

The Dance Biennale starts off on the 2nd of May with a series of world-class workshops for the best of the world’s dancers and choreographers. These are not open to the general public but the three days of awe-inspiring performances from the 28th to the 30th of June in the Arsenale theatres.

Collaboration is at the heart of the workshops, leading to the creation of all-new pieces that are displayed to the delight of dance lovers the world over.

Music

Another of the Biennale’s most highly anticipated events is the musical performances. Drawing the top musicians, composers, orchestras, and lyricists in the world for a week of public performances, you are sure to experience something amazing.

From the 4th to the 13th of October, these musicians will take audiences on a world tour of the most awe-inspiring contemporary music.

Film

Undoubtedly one of the Biennale’s most famous events, the 70th Venice International Film Festival draws the biggest names in cinema to showcase the most exciting works of the day.

Chances of catching glimpses of your favourite stars are good as they walk the red carpet, while an opportunity to see some of the most exhilarating new films in the purposely-built cinemas on the Lido Island just south of Venice is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most.