Russia returns to the Venice Biennale exhibition despite sharp criticism

The organizers of one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art events have decided that visitors will be allowed to enter the Russian pavilion only during four days of previews. After that, during the six-month long exhibition, where almost the whole world is represented, people will have to view the Russian pavilion from the outside, with videos projected on its outer walls.

Critics, including the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have said Moscow should not be given such visibility while the war against Ukraine continues.

The European Union also intervened in the dispute, threatening to withdraw 2 million euros in funding.

Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuco, however, defended Russia’s return, stating that art should remain a neutral space for dialogue, without censorship.

After intense criticism, the biennale’s lawyers announced that the Russian pavilion could not be open to the general public due to European sanctions against Russia.

Despite the restrictions, Moscow welcomed his return.

About 100 countries are participating in the event, which was founded in 1895, seven of them for the first time.

This year’s event will take place from May 9 to November 22.