The Venice Biennale
Early June 2026
Dr Nick Gordon
Dive into the world of contemporary art, from major retrospectives to the global cutting edge, on this 8-day tour
OVERVIEW
Every second year, more than 120 exhibitions of modern and contemporary art move into Venice’s historic spaces, from major retrospectives in palaces on the Grand Canal to shows by countries great and small dispersed throughout the city. It’s truly a feast for the eye and the mind, all set in the festive ambience of Venice.
This tour takes you to the best of the Biennale across 8 days, combining background talks with guided visits and free time to explore exhibitions at your own pace. We settle in with visits to key retrospectives and then dive into contemporary exhibitions in the Giardini and Arsenale, where countries from the United States to Tuvalu compete for honours in a global “art Olympics.”
The tour is complemented by a day trip to Arte Sella, a magnificent sculpture park nestled in the Italian Alps, and by visits to key modern art collections around the city.
TOUR LEADER
Dr Nick Gordon studied history at the University of Sydney, receiving First Class Honours and the University Medal in 2003, and his PhD in 2008. Nick has taught medieval and Renaissance European history at the University of Sydney and the history of political thought at WSU.
Nick is also an artist, working across painting, collage and photography. His love of travel, art and education led Nick to design art and history-focused tours across Europe, East Asia and Australia, as well as to international art events, including the Venice Biennale and Art Basel in Switzerland and Hong Kong. He has been leading and designing tours for almost 20 years, and is a director of Limelight Arts Travel.
HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy contemporary art in historic locations, from palaces on the Grand Canal to the medieval Arsenale
Survey major retrospectives of leading modern and contemporary artists at the Palazzo Grassi and on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore
Appreciate a carefully-curated daily program of exhibitions throughout Venice, including a full day in both the Giardini and the Arsenale, each housing over 20 exhibitions
Take a day trip to Arte Sella, a magnificent contemporary sculpture park nestled in the Italian Alps
Discover the modern art collections of Venice and their spectacular settings, from the Prada Foundation in its baroque palace to the Japanese minimalism of the Punta della Dogana