Venezia Biennale Arte 2024
60th International Art Exhibition
In May 2024, I finally visited the Venice Biennale, something that had been on my travel wish list for years. Italy has always been a favorite destination of mine, but for some reason, Venice had never made it onto the itinerary. I suspect this was partly because of its reputation as a major tourist hotspot, which can make the city feel crowded and overwhelming. This time, however, me and my friend were lucky enough to find a small boutique hotel near the design district, close enough to the main attractions but just far enough away to enjoy some quiet.
Venice is a city that invites wandering. Its narrow streets, countless bridges, and ever-present canals make every walk feel like a small discovery. Our hotel was conveniently located near a waterbus stop, which took us straight to the Biennale’s main sites at the Arsenale and Giardini. Because we visited in early May, we experienced the city at a slower, more local pace. Mornings began with cappuccinos at a nearby café, where the only other patrons seemed to be Venetians starting their day.
The Biennale itself was captivating. Some exhibitions left a particularly strong impression, but what made the whole experience so special was the variety of voices and perspectives brought together in one place. Contemporary art has a different energy when it’s displayed against the backdrop of Venice, a city that carries centuries of history in every stone and waterway. The dialogue between the old and the new made each installation feel layered and alive.
