ARSENALE DI VENEZIA

The Arsenale di Venezia is a historic shipyard and armory complex in Venice, once a major center of the Venetian Republic’s naval production. Its large former industrial halls now host exhibitions, including events connected with the Venice Biennale. You can explore displays on architecture, contemporary culture and environmental ideas, with works and national presentations from different countries. The site’s scale is part of the visit, so allow time to move through the halls and take in the exhibitions.

From shipyard to exhibition halls

The Arsenale was a center of shipbuilding and armaments for the Venetian Republic. The complex covers about 45 hectares and was among Europe’s largest industrial sites before the Industrial Revolution. Its scale gives the former production center a distinctive presence within Venice.

Today, exhibitions use the Arsenale’s halls for displays on architecture and contemporary culture. The program can include work from artists and participating countries, so what you see depends on the event taking place.

The Arsenale during the Biennale

The Venice Biennale uses the Arsenale as one of its exhibition venues. Architecture Biennale presentations bring together architects and designers from countries around the world, with exhibits exploring the event’s chosen theme. The Biennale also has national pavilions in the Giardini, so the Arsenale is one part of a wider exhibition visit.

Displays here can connect creative work with practical questions, including ideas about the planet’s future. If you are visiting for a particular event, check its program to see which exhibitions are at the Arsenale.