Qatar Pavilion at Venice Biennale to Feature 'Gathering of Remarkable People'

Rirkrit Tiravanija to assemble musicians, chefs, and artists from the Arab world for the exhibition.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a luxurious, shimmering textile in rich, jewel-toned colors, using dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to create a glitzy, high-fashion aesthetic.The Qatar pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale will showcase the vibrant cultural heritage and creative talent of the Arab world through a multidisciplinary exhibition.NYC Today

The National Pavilion of Qatar has announced that Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija will bring together a group of musicians, poets, chefs, and artists from the Arab world for its exhibition at the Sixty-First Venice Biennale, titled 'Untitled (a gathering of remarkable people)'. The show will occupy a tent in the Giardini on the future site of Qatar's new permanent pavilion, designed by Lebanese-born architect Lina Ghotmeh.

Why it matters

This exhibition demonstrates Qatar's commitment to using the global platform of the Venice Biennale to showcase the creative talent of its nation and the broader Arab world. By bringing together a diverse group of collaborators, the show aims to highlight the power of culture to bring people together, create space for reflection, and affirm our shared humanity.

The details

The exhibition will feature a film by Qatari-American artist Sophia Al-Maria, live performances organized by Lebanese artist Tarek Atoui and inspired by the takht (classical Arabic orchestra) and the wasla (a musical suite or sequence), a large-scale sculpture by Kuwaiti-Puerto Rican artist Alia Farid, and a culinary program of Middle Eastern cuisine put together by Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan and highlighting chefs from the MENA region.

  • The Sixty-First Venice Biennale will open on May 9, 2026.

The players

Rirkrit Tiravanija

A Thai artist who will assemble the group of musicians, poets, chefs, and artists for Qatar's exhibition at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

Tom Eccles

The executive director of Center for Curatorial Studies and the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College, who is co-curating the exhibition.

Ruba Katrib

The chief curator and director of curatorial affairs at New York's MoMA PS1, who is co-curating the exhibition.

Lina Ghotmeh

A Lebanese-born architect who is designing Qatar's new permanent pavilion in the Giardini.

Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

The chair of Qatar Museums, who is the commissioner of the Qatar pavilion.

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What they’re saying

“On the global stage of the Venice Biennale, this exhibition demonstrates Qatar's unwavering belief in the power of culture to bring people together and to create space for reflection, connection, and affirmation of our shared humanity.”

— Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Museums

What’s next

The Qatar pavilion's exhibition 'Untitled (a gathering of remarkable people)' will open on May 9, 2026 as part of the Sixty-First Venice Biennale.

The takeaway

By bringing together a diverse group of collaborators from the Arab world, the Qatar pavilion's exhibition at the Venice Biennale aims to showcase the power of culture to bridge divides, foster connection, and celebrate shared humanity on a global stage.