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Biennial International Art Festival

We are planning a Venice trip this summer and one of our activities is attending the Biennial Art Festival. Is it necessary to purchase tickets before going there or just buy them at the festival?

Posted by
398 posts

Buy there. I don't think there's a reason to get ahead.

Posted by
7179 posts

I went in September two years ago, and while there were lines outside, they were not unbearable. Perhaps they are longer in July and August. Note that this is a huge event, in multiple locations. So I wonder if the ticket lines at the Arsenale are shorter than at the Giardini. There were associated exhibitions at St.. Mark's Square and elsewhere. Think in advance (depending on your interest in contemporary art) whether you will want a multi-day ticket. It also depends on how far away you are sleeping.

Always have photo ID with you because the tickets are named and non-transferable, but they don't bear a photograph. It's sometimes faster and cheaper to go out and eat on the nearby touristy food street (Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, I think.) If you go months after it opens it is worthwhile to check the internet for comments to know which Giardini pavilions are worth waiting in line for. We stayed at the Hotel Bucintoro, which is so small that it must be very hard to get into - but great views for a reasonable price.

Posted by
2165 posts

I've been looking into the Biennale as well. We'll be in Venice in late May. "Early bird" tickets are now available online for 21.50 euros each which include one entrance into the Arsenale and one into the Giardino. What I don't know is how much the tickets will be later. I'm guessing 25 euros, but it could be 30. If anyone can shed light on that question, I would be grateful. Not a deal-killer, but it would nice to know. I have the RS Venice book. It mentions the Biennale but nothing about ticket prices.

Posted by
2165 posts

Got the answer and thought I'd share. Regular tickets purchased on site are 25 euros and 20 euros for those over 65 (one admission to each exhibition venue). Plus tickets (multiple visits for three days to each venue) are 35 euros.