Plural memories

The Venice Biennale is transforming a vast industrial complex within the Arsenale, once home to the Iron Workshops and Warehouses, into the new headquarters of its Historical Archive of Contemporary Arts. Covering 80,000+ square feet and characterized by imposing trusses, cast-iron structures, and expansive glass surfaces, the restored buildings will soon host scholars and artists, following a major renovation that combines historical preservation with advanced technology. The archive’s extensive collections, soon to be relocated from the inland suburb of Marghera, include posters documenting every Biennale since 1895, correspondence, photographs, videos, musical scores, artworks, and architectural projects, forming one of the richest repositories of contemporary arts in the world.

Set to fully open in 2027, the archive is being reimagined not just as a storage space but as a dynamic cultural centre, now renamed the International Centre for Research on Contemporary Arts. Its mission is to foster a dialogue between memory and future creativity, encouraging new artistic production through research and public engagement. Open year-round, it will provide access to both physical and digital materials, alongside spaces for study, events, and social interaction.

The architectural redesign integrates modern facilities such as mezzanine study areas, climate-controlled storage units, and large halls for conferences, performances, and creative activities, already involving students in residency. Supported by significant public funding, the project reflects a broader vision of revitalizing the Arsenale as a hub for culture and innovation. As Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco emphasizes, the archive has accompanied the institution for over 130 years, preserving its evolving identity. Today it becomes not only the world’s largest archive of contemporary arts but also a centre for knowledge, experimentation, and production, reinforcing Venice’s role as a vital space for intellectual freedom, critical thought, and creative plurality.

Featured image: Body as Archive – Photo Jacopo Salvi – Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia