Alright, so I decided to hit up the Venice Biennale this year. I’d heard so much about it, and I finally just went for it. Here’s how it all went down.
Planning & Prep
First things first, I booked my tickets and accommodation way in advance. Seriously, don’t sleep on this! Venice gets packed, especially during the Biennale. I opted for an Airbnb a bit outside the main touristy areas to save some cash and, honestly, to get a bit of a breather from the crowds.
Next, I did some basic research. I’m no art expert, so I wanted to at least have a vague idea of what to expect. I checked out the Biennale’s official website, looked at a few past reviews, and made a rough list of the national pavilions and artists that sounded interesting.
Getting There & Getting Around
I flew into Venice Marco Polo Airport. Getting from the airport to the city was pretty straightforward. I took the Alilaguna water bus, which was a fun (and scenic!) way to arrive.
Once in Venice, I mostly walked. A lot. My feet were killing me by the end of each day, but it’s really the best way to see the city and stumble upon hidden exhibitions. I also used the vaporettos (water buses) when I needed to cover longer distances or when my feet were just done.
The Biennale Experience
Okay, the main event! I started with the two main venues: the Giardini and the Arsenale. These are huge, so I dedicated a full day to each.
- Giardini: This is where most of the national pavilions are. It’s like a mini-world’s fair of art. I wandered around, popped into whichever pavilions caught my eye, and soaked it all in. Some were amazing, some were weird, some were… well, I didn’t get them. But that’s part of the fun!
- Arsenale: This former shipyard is massive. It houses a curated international exhibition, which was a mix of established and emerging artists. I found it a bit more overwhelming than the Giardini, just because of the scale. But there were some incredible pieces there. I spent hours just wandering through the different spaces.
Beyond the main venues, I also explored some of the “off-site” exhibitions and events scattered throughout the city. These were often in beautiful palazzos or hidden courtyards. Finding them felt like a treasure hunt!
Tips & Takeaways
Looking back, I can say the overall experience was so cool.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously, this is the most important tip.
- Don’t try to see everything. It’s impossible, and you’ll just burn out.
- Be open-minded. You won’t love everything, and that’s okay.
- Take breaks. Find a quiet cafe, sit by a canal, and just people-watch.
- Embrace the unexpected. Some of the best moments were things I didn’t plan.
- Talk to people. I chatted with other visitors, artists, and even some of the volunteers. It added another layer to the experience.
The Venice Biennale is a wild, overwhelming, and inspiring experience. It’s not just about the art; it’s about the city, the people, and the whole vibe. I’m happy I did it!
