Qatar to Build Permanent Pavilion at Venice Biennale’s Historic Giardini

Posted by author February 15, 2025 World

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Qatar has secured a prime location in the Giardini della Biennale, the historic heart of the Venice Biennale, to construct its national pavilion. Since opening in 1895, the Giardini has housed 30 permanent national pavilions, with only Australia and South Korea joining its ranks in the last 50 years.

The decision follows a Protocol of Cooperation signed in June 2024 between Qatar Museums and the Municipality of Venice, reinforcing cultural and socio-economic collaboration between Qatar, Venice, and Italy.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and commissioner of the Qatar Pavilion, called the Venice Biennale “the world’s preeminent gathering in art and architecture,” noting that the Giardini’s pavilions “stand as ambassadors for their nations.” She underscored Qatar’s dedication to cultural diplomacy and its mission to highlight creative talent from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region.

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale di Venezia, pointed to Venice’s historical connections with the Arab world, referencing the city’s Arabic name, Bunduqiyyah, which dates back to 1000 CE. He praised Qatar’s inclusion in the Giardini as a reflection of the Biennale’s commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and innovation.

The Qatar Pavilion will be situated near the iconic Book Pavilion. Its debut will coincide with the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in May 2025, featuring Community Centre, an installation by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari. This work is part of the exhibition Beyti Beytak (My Home is Your Home), which ties into the Biennale Architettura 2025 theme.

The exhibition will examine how hospitality and welcoming traditions are expressed in modern architecture and landscapes across the MENASA region. It will feature contributions from over 20 architects, including pioneers like Raj Rewal (India), Nayyar Ali Dada (Pakistan), Abdel Wahed el Wakil (Egypt), and Minnette de Silva (Sri Lanka). Contemporary participants include Marina Tabassum (Bangladesh), Sameep Padora (India), and Liz Diller (USA), among others.

Curated by Aurélien Lemonier of the Future Art Mill Museum and Sean Anderson of Cornell University, with input from Virgile Alexandre, the exhibition is commissioned by Sheikha Al Mayassa and Qatar Museums.

Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, hosting exhibitions and events across art, architecture, cinema, dance, theatre, and music. The 19th International Architecture Exhibition, curated by Carlo Ratti, will run from May 10 to November 23, 2025.

Qatar Museums marks its 20th anniversary. The institution continues to champion Qatar’s cultural heritage and foster international dialogue through its museums, festivals, and public art projects. The creation of the Qatar Pavilion represents another step in the nation’s ambition to lead in cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

In Other Biennale News:

Tensions are rising after Australia decided to drop its selected artist, Khaled Sabsabi, to avoid being drawn into what it called a “divisive debate.” The fallout has been swift. Mikala Tai, head of visual arts at Creative Australia, the country’s federal arts body, resigned in solidarity with the artist. Simon Mordant, a key financial supporter of the pavilion and a prominent philanthropist, also stepped down from his role as international ambassador for the 2026 event. “It is a very dark day for Australia and the arts,” Mordant stated that further resignations are likely to follow.

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