The organisers of national pavilions of the upcoming Venice Architecture Biennale are planning to open without guests next month due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Several national pavilions at the world's most prestigious architecture biennale have cancelled their physical opening events amid a resurgence of virus cases in Italy and with travel in Europe still restricted.
Organisers of the Swiss, Dutch and Singaporean presences said they intend to host "silent openings" or virtual events during the event's invitation-only vernissage on 20 and 21 May.
Pavilions postpone opening events
An official press conference held by the biennale earlier this week made no mention of the impact of the pandemic, stating the event would "open to the public from Saturday 22 May through Sunday 21 November 2021" But Pro Helvetia, which organises the Swiss Pavilion, has postponed its opening events "in light of the still uncertain Covid-19 situation". Instead, it will host a silent opening.
"If the situation allows, ProHelvetia will instead organise a physical event on site in late summer or early autumn and hope to welcome you then in Venice," organisers added.
The Dutch Pavilion has also replaced plans for physical events with a virtual opening.
"Guests will not be invited to attend the opening in person but we hope that there will be another opportunity to host guests in the autumn," organisers told Dezeen.
"Online vernissage for ...