Valerio Olgiati's installation - Photo by Andrea Avezzù, courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.

Valerio Olgiati’s installation – Photo by Andrea Avezzù.

Coronavirus – After consulting with the curator, La Biennale di Venezia has decided to postpone the opening date of the Biennale Architettura to the year 2021, extending its duration back to the customary six months, from May 22 to November 21, 2021. The decision became inevitable as shuttered architecture studios and universities, heath regulations and travel restrictions limited the invited architects, participating countries, institutions and collateral events organisers.

Bamboo stalactite by Vo Trong Nghia Architects @ Venice Biennale, Italy. © Sabin Prodan.

Bamboo stalactite by Vo Trong Nghia Architects @ Venice Biennale, Italy. © Sabin Prodan.

Earlier this year, following the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy, organizers announced that the 2020 edition of the Venice Architecture Biennale, would be postponed to August lasting only three months. Now, the expected 250.000 visitors will have to wait few month more but will also have six full months to enjoy the the world’s most important architectural event.

“I have received many messages asking for a postponement to 2021.” declared President Roberto Cicutto. The new dates will allow the event a longer life “as it was before the pandemic. Nevertheless Architecture will be in Venice this Fall organizing several events keeping at the center of the stage the main theme of the event: How will we live together?.”

Freespace, Venice Biennale 2018 - Photo by Photo Giorgio Zucchiatti; courtesy la Biennale di Venezia

Photo Giorgio Zucchiatti.

The 17th Architecture Biennale will “calls on architects to imagine spaces in which we can generously live together. As we  need a new spatial contract,” said the curator Hashim Sarkis. “I hope that the new opening date will allow them first to catch their breath, and then to complete their work with the time and vigor it truly deserves.”

The new dates of the 17th Architecture Biennale coincide with the 59th International Art Exhibition, curated by Cecilia Alemani, which has in turn been postponed to 2022. It will last 7 months and will be held from Saturday April 23rd to Sunday November 27th.

Italy pavilion at Venice Art Biennale 2019 - Photo by Delfino Sisto Legnani, courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.

Italy pavilion at Venice Art Biennale 2019 – Photo by Delfino Sisto Legnani, courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.

Images: courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.

Arcipelago Italia. Courtesy of the Ialian Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2018

Arcipelago Italia. Courtesy of the Italian Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2018.