Biennale Gherdëina

An art biennial among the peaks of the Dolomites

The Biennale Gherdëina is one of the most original contemporary art events in the Italian Alps. Established in 2008 by gallerist Doris Ghetta, it takes place every two years in Ortisei (Urtijëi/St. Ulrich) and across the towns of Val Gardena, in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. Since 2019, the organization has been managed by the Zënza Sëida Association.

What makes this biennial unique is its deep connection to the territory: the artworks do not inhabit museums or pavilions, but instead engage directly with the squares, trails, meadows, and peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many projects arise from collaborations between international artists and local artisans, particularly the woodcarvers of Val Gardena, who are guardians of a centuries-old tradition.

The theme of the 2026 edition: (Future) Paradise Gardens

The tenth edition, scheduled from May 31 to September 13, 2026, is curated by the Swiss curator Samuel Leuenberger, director of the exhibition space SALTS. The title (Future) Paradise Gardens explores the garden as a physical location but also as a cultural and political concept: a space for reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, exploitation and care, memory and the future.

The exhibition brings together 24 artistic positions by 28 artists, both local and international, addressing themes such as queer ecology, the garden as a space for growth and poetry, and the tensions between extractive forces and conservation. The works are spread across three main hubs: Ortisei (18 projects in indoor and outdoor spaces), Santa Cristina (4 projects), and the Pilat area (3 outdoor installations, accessible only on foot).

A Ladin cultural heritage

Biennale Gherdëina is set within a unique cultural context: Val Gardena is one of the Ladin valleys of South Tyrol, where Ladin, German, and Italian languages coexist. Here, contemporary art becomes a tool to narrate alpine identity and its transformations, engaging with the myths, landscapes, and traditional crafts of the Ortisei community.

Visitor Information

• Info point and main venue: Sala Trenker, Pontives 8, Ortisei
• Indoor space opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Tickets: Full price €10, reduced €8 (over 65s, students, groups of 8+)
• Free admission: Under 18s, Val Gardena Club members, accredited press, wheelchair users
• Duration of the full route: Approximately 4–5 hours

With its tenth edition, Biennale Gherdëina celebrates nearly twenty years of contemporary art in the Dolomites, confirming itself as an unmissable event for those seeking a different way to experience the mountains: through the eyes of artists.