What is the Florence Biennale?
The Florence Biennale is the largest exhibition of contemporary art by artists from all over the world. It aims to create a public space for artists, art and others who want to discover what is happening in modern art today. Here are collected art from different cultures, communities and countries under the same roof.

For how long has the Biennale existed?
The Biennale was born in 1997 and has since been held every second year. The last one 2009 was the seventh in order.
What is the award: "Lorenzo il Magnifico'?
The international award "Lorenzo il Magnifico" is the greatest recognition an artist can get by the Florence Biennale. Artists and institutions who have received this award through the years: Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Richard Anuszkiewicz, David Hockney, the car manufacturer Ferrari, Restoration Laboratories of the Vatican Museums, Carla Fracci, Ferruccio Soleri, the motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson, the British artists Gilbert & George and most recently 2009 to Marina Abramovic och Shu Yong.
How to participate in the Biennale?
The artists participating in the Biennale have all been selected from the International Scientific Committee of the Biennale, or by the Internal Committee, by a proposal by the Scientific Committee, and by the respective country's official Arts Council who may appoint promising new artists who are not yet well known. In addition, all artists who have been invited through the years to participate in the biennial also are invited again.
What kind of art is being shown?
The philosophy at the Biennale is not to limit the artistic expression and its individuals. There is no prejudice in terms of style, materials, modern new techniques or new artistic trends in the different national societies represented. Instead they see the different expressions of art as an instrument for freedom and free speech. Thanks to this approach the Biennale was selected to be included in the UN programme "A dialogue among civilization".
What is the international jury?
The international jury is the group responsible for the distribution of the "Lorenzo il Magnifico". It consists of Barbara Rose, Dore Ashton, Teresa Ortega Coca, Veronika Birke head of the Albertina Museum in Vienna and Julian Zugazagoitia Manager of the Barrio Museum of New York. John T. Spike, art critic and artistic Manager, was also a part of the biennial jury from 1999 to 2005. All are important people in the arts and international culture.
Where is the Biennale?
The exhibition takes place at the historic fortress Fortezza da Basso. It’s a beautiful fortress in the Renaissance style and an ideal place worthy of the name for this prestigious event, just a stone's throw from the city of Florence. Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane built and designed the fortress with the help of Pier Francesco da Viterbo in the year 1534. Today different parts of the fortress is used for events and exhibitions. The Biennale is held in the Spadolini Hall, which was built in 1970 by the architect of the same name, covering a total surface area of 11000m2.