Observer’s Guide to the Must-Visit Biennials and Triennials of 2025

These are the biennials and triennials sure to make waves in the months to come.
Ernie Stanton · 4 days ago · 5 minutes read


Unveiling the Art World's Global Showcase: 2025 Biennial Extravaganza

Prospect New Orleans: Exploring the Precarious Future

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, Prospect New Orleans returns with "Prospect.6: The Future Is Present, The Harbinger Is Home." Co-Artistic Directors Miranda Lash and Ebony G. Patterson invite visitors to confront the impending challenges and possibilities of our collective destiny. Artists like Mel Chin and Joan Jonas will join emerging talents to evoke the spirit of resilience and renewal that defines New Orleans.

Havana Biennial: A Harmonic Convergence

Despite political turmoil, the Havana Biennial remains a stalwart of the art world. The 15th edition, "Shared Horizon," explores themes of coexistence and peace. With works from artists representing 57 countries, the biennial celebrates the resilience and diversity of the Cuban art scene.

Sharjah Biennial: A Tapestry of Cultural Exchange

The Sharjah Biennial has established itself as a cornerstone of the global art calendar. The 16th edition promises to be a groundbreaking display of contemporary art, blending traditional practices with modern techniques. Through exhibitions and installations, the biennial fosters cross-cultural dialogue and highlights the unique cultural identity of Sharjah.

Hawai'i Triennial: Aloha Nō

The Hawai'i Triennial celebrates the spirit of "aloha" in its 2025 edition, titled "ALOHA NÅ." Artists from across the islands and the Pacific gather to share stories of interconnectedness, resistance, and healing. Rooted in the enduring principles of Hawai'i, the triennial invites visitors to reflect on these timeless values.

Boston Public Art Triennial: The Exchange

The inaugural Boston Public Art Triennial will transform the city's public spaces into canvases for creativity. Fifteen commissioned works will engage with themes of connectivity, well-being, and economic vitality. The event aims to position public art as a dynamic force for social change and artistic enrichment.

Liverpool Biennial: Bedrock

The Liverpool Biennial turns to the city's geological foundation for inspiration. "BEDROCK" delves into Liverpool's social and cultural history through contemporary artworks placed in unexpected spaces. The biennial celebrates the transformative power of art in uniting communities and fostering connections.

Helsinki Biennial: Shelter

The Helsinki Biennial confronts environmental issues through the lens of "Shelter." Set across the diverse landscape of Esplanade Park, the Art Museum, and Vallisaari, the exhibition highlights the delicate relationship between humanity and nature. Artists from Finland and beyond contribute to a thought-provoking discourse on sustainability and our responsibility to the planet.

Berlin Biennial: Foxing

The Berlin Biennale returns with "Foxing," a concept exploring the power of art to challenge societal norms. Curator Zasha Colah draws inspiration from urban foxes, symbols of resistance and ingenuity, to present works that defy boundaries and provoke critical thinking.

SITE SANTA FE International: Once Within a Time

SITE SANTA FE International presents "Once Within a Time," a departure from singular themes. Curator Cecilia Alemani invites artists to engage with Santa Fe's rich local history and mythology. The exhibition will extend beyond the usual venue, immersing visitors in the city's unique heritage and fostering a dialogue between past and present.

Bergen Assembly: Shaping the Future

Bergen Assembly challenges traditional art experiences in its upcoming edition. Co-curated by artist Ravi Agarwal, researcher Adania Shibli, and the Bergen School of Architecture, the assembly will explore transformative shifts in our lived realities and artistic perspectives.

Aichi Triennale: Time Between Ashes and Roses

The Aichi Triennale reflects on the interconnectedness of生态 environments, human activities, and the stories that bind them. Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi invites artists to visualize the contemporary environmental crisis and our responsibility towards the planet.

Istanbul Biennial: Self-Preservation and Futurities

The Istanbul Biennial has faced setbacks in recent years, but is poised for a revival in 2025. The 18th edition, curated by Christine Tohme, will explore themes of self-preservation and futurities, delving into the impact of material conditions on personal relationships and community identity.

Göteborg Biennial: Unveiling the Vision

Currently in its planning stages, the 13th Göteborg Biennial will welcome renowned artists to Gothenburg, Sweden. Curator Christina Lehnert will release the curatorial theme and lineup in the coming months, promising an exciting encounter with contemporary art.

Okayama Art Summit: Reimaginging Exhibitions

Led by artistic director Philippe Parreno, the Okayama Art Summit continues its innovative approach. The summit defies traditional exhibition formats, showcasing works by world-class artists in iconic locations. The 2025 edition promises to redefine the boundaries of art presentation.

Shanghai Biennale: Does the Flower Hear the Bee?

Canadian curator Kitty Scott brings her expertise to the Shanghai Biennale, becoming the event's first returning curator. "Does the Flower Hear the Bee?" probes new forms of sensory communication, inviting artists to create connections between humans, animals, and plants. The exhibition prompts us to question our relationship with non-human intelligences.

Expert Quote:

"Biennials are not simply exhibitions, but platforms for dialogue, experimentation, and social change. They offer a glimpse into the constantly evolving landscape of contemporary art," remarks curator and art historian Charlotta Kotik.