Qatar is making history as the first nation in thirty years to establish a permanent national pavilion in the picturesque Giardini grounds, one of the principal venues of the prestigious Venice Biennale. Nestled near the entrance of the park and adjacent to the iconic James Stirling-designed Book Pavilion, this new structure will become the 30th national pavilion in the historic garden.
The initiative stems from a cooperation protocol signed in July 2024 between Qatar Museums and the Municipality of Venice, signaling a commitment to strengthen socioeconomic and cultural ties.
Qatar plans to inaugurate its pavilion at the 19th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition, running from May 10 to November 23, with an ambitious installation by renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari. Her project, titled *Community Centre (2025)*, will feature in the exhibition “Beyti Baytak. My home is your home. La mia casa è la tua casa,” organized by Qatar Museums’ upcoming Art Mill Museum.
Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums and commissioner of the Qatar Pavilion, expressed in a press release, “The Venice Biennale represents the pinnacle of art and architecture gatherings globally. Qatar is honored to participate in this esteemed assembly, showcasing our leadership in cultural diplomacy and offering a distinctive platform for the creative talents from our nation and the broader Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region.”
As anticipation builds for the unveiling of the pavilion, the initiative underscores Qatar’s dedication to cultural exchange and international collaboration, further cementing its role as a pivotal player in the global arts scene.