Both La Serenissima and Dimora San Lorenzo are in Castello — the same neighbourhood as the Arsenale and Giardini. The Arsenale entrance is 10 minutes on foot. After a full day at the pavilions, you return to a private apartment rather than a hotel corridor. La Serenissima has a private altana rooftop terrace — ideal for a quiet drink after the opening-night rush. Dimora San Lorenzo has a private courtyard and optional wellness spa for full decompression.
Both apartments are in the dry zone — no acqua alta flooding, even in autumn. Self check-in, no front desk, no shared spaces. The neighbourhood is animated during Biennale season but our streets are quiet. Everything the Biennale demands — proximity, privacy, and comfort after long days — is built into both properties.
Duplex apartment with a private rooftop terrace. 10 min Arsenale, 3 min San Marco. Superhost 4.85★. Two bedrooms, independent entrance.
from €150 / night · Book directGround-floor apartment with private courtyard and optional wellness spa. 10 min Arsenale. No stairs. Two equal double bedrooms.
from €160 / night · Book direct| Event | Dates (2026) | Who attends |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-opening / Vernissage | 6, 7, 8 May | Accredited press, artists, curators, galleries, collectors |
| Public Opening | Saturday 9 May | Open to all — ticket required, buy online at labiennale.org |
| Regular Season | 9 May – 22 November | Open to all — Tuesday to Sunday |
| Closing Day | Sunday 22 November | Last weekend is always busy — book accommodation early |
Official dates confirmed by La Biennale di Venezia. Source: labiennale.org
A few things that matter specifically to art professionals attending the Biennale:
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, for the public opening and regular season. Buy combined Arsenale + Giardini tickets online at labiennale.org — queues at the venues can be long, especially on weekends. Vernissage requires accreditation or an invitation, not a regular ticket.
How long does the Biennale take to see?
A single day is not enough. Allow at least two days to cover the Arsenale and Giardini properly. Many art professionals return multiple times across the season. The Arsenale alone can take a full day.
Is vernissage week worth it?
For art professionals, yes — the density of interesting people and conversations is unmatched. For general visitors, the regular season (May–November) is often more enjoyable: quieter, easier to get close to the works, and accommodation is more available and less expensive.
What is the minimum stay for vernissage weeks?
We require a minimum of 3 nights during vernissage week. For the rest of the season there is no minimum — though most guests stay 4–7 nights.
Are the apartments suitable for work trips?
Yes. Both apartments have high-speed fibre WiFi. La Serenissima has a dining table that works as a desk. Dimora San Lorenzo has the added benefit of the private courtyard — an outdoor workspace in good weather. We can arrange priority early check-in for arrival-day meetings if booked direct.
The Venice Biennale Arte takes place across two main venues: the Arsenale and the Giardini. Both are in the Castello sestiere — the same neighbourhood as our apartments. This is not a coincidence; when we chose these properties, proximity to the cultural heart of Venice was a deliberate priority.
Venice's historic shipyard, transformed into the Biennale's largest exhibition space. Massive industrial halls housing major international installations and national pavilions.
10 min walk from both apartmentsThe historic public gardens housing the permanent national pavilions — including the French, German, British, US and Italian pavilions. The most photographed part of the Biennale.
12 min walk from both apartmentsThe Castello neighbourhood during Biennale season has a particular energy — conversations in the streets, early-morning queues at the pavilions, impromptu encounters at neighbourhood bacari. Staying in a private apartment rather than a hotel gives you full immersion in this world.
Act Early
Book direct for priority access to Biennale dates — two weeks before they appear on any platform. Contact us by WhatsApp for group bookings or any questions.