Qatar Unveils Plans for a Permanent National Pavilion in Venice

Qatar to Establish Permanent National Pavilion in Venice

Qatar is set to make a significant cultural contribution by constructing a permanent national pavilion in the historic Giardini della Biennale, which first opened to the public in 1895. This new development will position Qatar alongside 30 other nations with permanent representations, showcasing its commitment to global cultural dialogue. The last two nations to inaugurate pavilions in this iconic space were Australia and South Korea, marking a rare opportunity for Qatar to join this prestigious assembly after several decades.

The announcement was made by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President of Qatar Museums and Commissioner of the Qatar Pavilion. She expressed pride in Qatar's participation in the Biennale di Venezia, stating, "The Biennale di Venezia is the most important gathering of art and architecture in the world, and the Giardini serve as a historic landscape where extraordinary pavilions stand as ambassadors of their nations. Qatar is honored to take its place in this international gathering, enhancing our role as a global leader in cultural diplomacy while providing an unparalleled platform for the creative voices from our nation and the broader regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia."

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, the president of La Biennale di Venezia, highlighted the historical significance of Venice and its connections with Arabic culture. With roots dating back to the year 1000, the city reflects a rich tapestry of languages and ethnicities. He welcomed Qatar warmly, recognizing its potential as a vital source of creativity and intercultural understanding.

The Qatar Pavilion will be located in the Giardini, adjacent to the iconic Pavilion of the Book, allowing it to play a prominent role in the artistic landscape of the Biennale. The pavilion will officially activate its site in May 2025 during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition. The centerpiece of this activation will be an important installation titled "Community Center" by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari.

This installation will be unveiled as part of the exhibition "Beyti Beytak. My house is your house. La mia casa è la tua casa," taking place both in the Giardini and at the ACP-Palazzo Franchetti. This exhibition aligns with the theme of the 2025 Biennale Architettura, which seeks to explore how concepts of hospitality and welcome are reflected in contemporary architecture and landscapes across the MENASA region (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia).

The exhibition will pay homage to pioneering architects and thinkers and will showcase works from over 20 modern and contemporary architects from the MENASA region, many of whom have not been previously featured in Venice. The ambitious project is curated by Aurélien Lemonier, the architecture curator at the Art Mill Museum, and Sean Anderson, an Associate Professor at Cornell University, with the valuable collaboration of Virgile Alexandre.

As Qatar prepares to make its mark at this prestigious event, the world will undoubtedly be eager to witness how this pavilion will serve as a beacon of cultural exchange and artistic innovation.