Festival Internazionale di Danza Contemporanea – Biennale Danza
International contemporary dance in Venice
About Biennale Danza
Venice, capital of dance
The International Festival of Contemporary Dance, known as Biennale Danza, is the major event that brings the best of international choreography to Venice every year. Organized by La Biennale di Venezia, it is one of the most prestigious events in the world for authorial dance.
Between the Arsenale and historic theatres
The festival takes place in the spaces of the Arsenale — Teatro alle Tese, Tese dei Soppalchi, Sale d'Armi — and in the city's historic theatres such as the Teatro Malibran and the Teatro Goldoni, as well as at the Teatro Verde on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore and in locations in Mestre such as Forte Marghera. A geography that intertwines dance with the extraordinary Venetian urban setting.
Awards and new generations
Each edition awards the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement and the Silver Lion, recognizing great masters and emerging talents on the world choreographic scene. Alongside the main programme, Biennale Danza provides space for young dancers and choreographers through the training activities of Biennale College, confirming its international and research-oriented vocation.
Biennale Danza — edition 2026
The twentieth edition of Biennale Danza takes place from July 17 to August 1, 2026, under the direction of Sir Wayne McGregor. The title, "Time Does Not Exist", is inspired by physicist Carlo Rovelli's theories on time.
The program brings together over 150 artists in more than 60 events, featuring 9 world premieres, 3 European premieres, and 8 Italian premieres, spread across the Arsenale, historic theatres, and other city venues.
Programme Biennale Danza 2026
Direction and theme
Director: Sir Wayne McGregor. Edition title: "Time Does Not Exist".
Awards
- Golden Lion for lifetime achievement: Bangarra Dance Theatre (Australian Aboriginal company)
- Silver Lion: Mamela Nyamza (South African dancer, choreographer, and activist)
Artists and companies
Among the announced protagonists: Bangarra Dance Theatre, Mamela Nyamza, Emanuel Gat, Eiko Otake, Wen Hui, Elle Sofe Sara, Omar Rajeh, Molissa Fenley, and many others from different continents, for a total of over 60 events.
Venues
Arsenale (Teatro alle Tese, Tese dei Soppalchi, Sale d'Armi), Ca' Giustinian, Teatro Malibran, Teatro Goldoni, Teatro Verde on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Forte Marghera, and Parco Albanese in Mestre.
Highlights Biennale Danza 2026
Prices Biennale Danza 2026
Practical information — Biennale Danza
How to get there
Venice is reachable by train (Santa Lucia station) and by plane (Marco Polo airport). The festival venues can be reached on foot and by vaporetto. The Arsenale is served by dedicated ACTV stops.
Tickets
Tickets and passes are available exclusively on the labiennale.org website.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Biennale Danza
Arsenale e teatri storici di Venezia
Ca' Giustinian, San Marco 1364/A, 30124 Venezia