Qatar to Establish Permanent National Pavilion at Venice Biennale

Qatar's Permanent Pavilion at the Venice Biennale

In a groundbreaking move, Qatar has announced the construction of a permanent national pavilion in the historic "Giardini della Biennale" in Venice, Italy. Since opening its doors to the public in 1895, this iconic site has drawn public attention and participation from around the globe.

The noble endeavor will see Qatar joining the ranks of 30 other countries that currently have permanent pavilions in this prestigious location. Notably, over the past 50 years, only Australia and South Korea have established their pavilions, making Qatar's decision to build one particularly significant.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President of Qatar Museums and Curator of this national pavilion, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "The Venice Biennale is the world's largest gathering of art and architecture. The Giardini serves as a historical landscape where extraordinary pavilions stand as ambassadors for their nations. Qatar is proud to take its place in this international assembly, showcasing its role in global cultural diplomacy and providing an unparalleled platform for the creative talents of our country and the broader Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia regions."

Echoing her sentiments, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of the Venice Biennale, welcomed Qatar’s participation. He noted that Venice is the only European city to be recognized in Arabic as ‘Bunduqiyyah’, reflecting the city's long-standing tradition of linguistic and ethnic diversity. He stated, “In the spirit of curiosity, exploration, and sincere human exchange—hallmarks of Venice and its Biennale—I warmly welcome Qatar as a powerful source of global creativity and intercultural understanding.”

The new Qatari pavilion will be strategically situated next to the iconic book pavilion within the Giardini. Qatar plans to activate its venue starting in May 2025 during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition. The opening will feature a significant installation titled "Community Centre" created by renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari.

This installation will be part of the exhibition "Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa è la tua casa," featured both in the Giardini and at the ACP-Palazzo Franchetti. Aligned with the theme of the 2025 Biennale of Architecture, this exhibition will delve into how hospitality and traditions of welcoming are reflected in contemporary architecture and landscapes of the MENASA region (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia). The works will pay homage to both modern and contemporary architects from MENASA, with more than 20 pieces on display, many of which have never been shown in Venice before.

This initiative not only enhances Qatar's cultural footprint but also promises to enrich the dialogue around architecture and hospitality, contributing to the Venice Biennale's legacy as a significant platform for cultural exchange.

With such ambitious plans, Qatar is poised to take a prominent place in the world of art and architecture at one of the most esteemed cultural gatherings globally, fostering a deeper understanding of its rich traditions and contemporary innovations. Through this new pavilion, Qatar seeks to inspire and connect diverse audiences, bridging gaps and enhancing cross-cultural dialogues across the globe.