Venice Biennale Announces Participating Artists, Louvre President Replaced

Christophe Leribault poised to take over as Louvre president after Laurence des Cars steps down

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Venice Biennale has officially named the artists participating in its 2026 edition, which is facing challenges after the sudden death of its curator Koyo Kouoh last year. Meanwhile, in Paris, Laurence des Cars has stepped down as president of the Louvre museum, and Christophe Leribault is poised to replace her. Leribault is currently the director of the Chateau de Versailles and previously led the Musée d'Orsay.

Why it matters

The Venice Biennale is considered the world's most important art exhibition, and the 2026 edition will be closely watched as it navigates the loss of its curator. The change in leadership at the Louvre, one of the world's most prestigious museums, also comes at a critical time as the institution works to improve its security and modernize following the theft of the French crown jewels.

The details

The 2026 Venice Biennale, titled 'In Minor Keys,' will open to the public from May 9 to November 22. The biennale is gearing up for its 61st edition after the sudden death of its curator Koyo Kouoh last year. However, her vision is being realized through advisers she appointed. In Paris, Laurence des Cars has stepped down from her role as president of the Louvre, and Christophe Leribault is poised to replace her. Leribault is currently the director of the Chateau de Versailles and previously led the Musée d'Orsay. The Louvre is still reeling from the brazen theft of the French crown jewels, which revealed inadequate security at the museum.

  • The 2026 Venice Biennale will open to the public from May 9 to November 22.
  • Laurence des Cars stepped down from her role as president of the Louvre in 2026.

The players

Venice Biennale

The world's most important art exhibition, gearing up for its 61st edition in 2026.

Koyo Kouoh

The curator of the 2026 Venice Biennale who died suddenly last year.

Christophe Leribault

The director of the Chateau de Versailles who is poised to replace Laurence des Cars as the president of the Louvre.

Laurence des Cars

The outgoing president of the Louvre museum.

Louvre

One of the world's most prestigious museums, still reeling from the theft of the French crown jewels.

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What they’re saying

“I defended my record.”

— Laurence des Cars, Outgoing Louvre President (Le Figaro)

The takeaway

The changes in leadership at both the Venice Biennale and the Louvre come at critical junctures for these prestigious institutions. The Venice Biennale must navigate the loss of its curator, while the Louvre faces the challenge of improving security and modernizing after a high-profile theft. These transitions will be closely watched as they shape the future direction of these cultural powerhouses.