The Biennale has never just been about exhibitions or premieres. It’s a mirror of our cultural mood, from anxieties to aspirations. For Italy, it’s a stage to show the world its creative muscle; for everyone else, it’s an excuse to gather in one of the most atmospheric cities on earth. And Venice itself? The perfect co-star. A city built on layers, where tradition and reinvention live side by side. At 129 years old, the Biennale still feels sharp and alive, sparking debate as much as delight. From red carpets on the Lido to provocative pavilions in the Giardini, Venice proves it can reinvent culture without losing its soul.