Skip to main content
biennale

biennale

4 7.5
A large art exhibition that happens every two years
  • noun
  • /biˈɛnəl/
  • Jargon
translation icon : bienal
  • In order to comprehend the background against which the Biennale was staged, it is necessary to examine the sociopolitical implications.
  • Venice Biennale
  • Johannesburg Biennale
  • Dak'Art Biennale

Examples

  • A major component of the Biennale was the curator training program.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The Venice biennale showcases contemporary art from around the world every two years.

  • With reduced participation, the Biennale would have cost taxpayers far less.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The artistic director of the Rome biennale has invited us to perform, after seeing our flash mob online.

  • For better or for worse, the Biennale has been likened to the Olympics for art.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Its members also appeared at the 2007 Venice Biennale, where they presented a video in one of the cafes.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The collective made its first appearance at the 2006 Singapore Biennale with a mock art journal.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The African presence in the Venice Biennale has always been minimal and at best sporadic.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Johannesburg has held two biennales, the first in 1995 and the second in 1997.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Aside from the Arsenale, the giardini, or gardens, are the primary location of the Biennale.

    Academic text (2003)

Synonyms

exhibition
vsbiennale
136 3.3

A public display of objects like paintings or old items in a museum

focuses only on art rather than on varied public displays
expo
vsbiennale
54 3.2

A large public show where companies and artists display products or art

centers on art rather than on commercial goods or services
salon
vsbiennale
19 4.2

A place that shows new paintings and sculptures to the public

is a large public event rather than a local gallery venue
exposition
vsbiennale
16 6.1

A large public show of things like art or new products

focuses on art alone instead of combining many item types
art exhibit
vsbiennale
8 3.0

A public display of art in a gallery or museum

is larger in scale and attracts a wider audience
art exhibition
vsbiennale
3 3.0

A public show where people see paintings, sculptures, and other works of art

recurs every two years instead of happening once or irregularly

How Big

biennale
  • Jargon
4 7.5
exhibition
136 3.3

Surface Forms

biennale singular
biennales plural

Etymology

Biennale comes from Italian: bi- 'two' plus the same root as annual 'year', so it means 'every two years'. A helpful way to remember it is that a biennale is a big art exhibition that happens 'every two years'.