Venice Biennale opens amid protests against Russia

The 61st Venice Biennale opened on Saturday amid protests over Russia's presence at one of the world's most important art events.

Activists and supporters of the Russian rock band Pussy Riot protest against the opening of the Russian pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, May 7, 2026.

Photo: EPA/ANDREA MEROLA

The international exhibition is set to feature around 100 national pavilions this year.

10,000 people visited the #BiennaleArte2026 on its first opening day.
Discover #InMinorKeys for yourself until November 22! The Giardini and Arsenale venues will be exceptionally open to the public also on MONDAY 11 MAY.

Read more → https://t.co/l1FrJMrXly
🎟 →… pic.twitter.com/ZXKwRbjZ4J

— La Biennale di Venezia (@la_Biennale) May 9, 2026

#BiennaleArte2026 | #PreOpening National Participations
6.05, 16:30
POLAND
LIQUID TONGUES
Giardini

-3 days to #InMinorKeys
Find out more and buy your tickets → https://t.co/l1FrJMsvb6 pic.twitter.com/oItpX1zlx2

— La Biennale di Venezia (@la_Biennale) May 6, 2026

However, it has been overshadowed by controversy after organisers allowed Russia to return despite its ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine.

The opening of the Russian pavilion earlier this week drew strong protests.

Dozens of activists from the anti-Kremlin art collective Pussy Riot held a demonstration in Venice, waving Ukrainian flags and chanting slogans against Russian President Putin to oppose Moscow's presence at the Venice Biennale art exhibition https://t.co/Vup8O2Pkp6 pic.twitter.com/vs0GjlxRcw

— Reuters (@Reuters) May 7, 2026

Marcin Matuszewski has the story.

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