China's National Pavilion seeks curatorial proposals for 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale

China's National Pavilion has launched an open call for curatorial proposals for the 2027 Venice International Architecture Biennale, inviting Chinese curators, architects and scholars to submit exhibition concepts for the country's national pavilion.

The 2027 International Architecture Exhibition will be held in Venice from May 8 to Nov. 21, 2027.

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco (C), president of the Venice Biennale, and Wang Shu (L) and Lu Wenyu, chief curators of the 2027 Venice International Architecture Biennale, pose for a photo. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

At the announcement, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, president of the Venice Biennale, together with Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, chief curators of the 2027 architecture exhibition, unveiled the event's overarching theme: "Do Architecture — For the Possibility of Coexistence Facing a Real Reality."

The theme calls for architecture to move beyond abstract theories and engage with real-world conditions through practical exploration. The exhibition will focus on issues including climate change, urban and rural development, local cultural heritage and innovation, while balancing the preservation of historical and cultural heritage with contemporary architectural innovation.

Buttafuoco said the exhibition aims to return to the essence of architecture by examining its relationship with land, materials, people and place. Additionally, he explained that it seeks to explore pathways toward coexistence between architecture and nature, memory and innovation, and tradition and modernity.

According to the open call issued by the Office of China's National Pavilion of the Venice Biennale, proposals should respond to the event's overarching theme while showcasing China's practices in advancing high-quality urban renewal and building innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally rich and smart modern cities.

The selected exhibition is expected to present China's architectural experience and offer Chinese wisdom and solutions to shared global challenges and the future development of architecture.