Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Set against the usually sleepy town of Fort Kochi, Kerala, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a visual spectacle that invites viewers to dive into the avant-garde.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is the largest showcase of art in South Asia, materialising every two years to bring together a global community of creatives, curators and art enthusiasts.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an impeccably curated journey into the heart of contemporary expression. It’s here that you can view towering, site-specific installations woven from bamboo; videos focusing on the topic of refugees living across the Malabar Coast; or black-and-white photographs of the Tibetan resistance. Beyond the captivating exhibits, the biennale hosts a range of experiences, offering an intriguing programme of discussions, seminars, film screenings, musical performances, workshops and educational initiatives. More than an art event, attendees are invited to explore the cosmopolitan area of present-day Kochi too and its historic predecessor, the ancient haven of Muziris.

Last year’s edition faced criticism around management and funding issues; in short, the scale of the biennale couldn’t be achieved due to financial constraints. The festival issued a public apology, ensuring institutional changes would take place this year. If previous editions (bar the 2023 chapter) are anything to go by, we can expect yet another spectacular showcase of forward-thinking visuals.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale is one of the finalists for Trippin 50, a cultural calendar featuring the best events around the world. Check out the Trippin 50 hub here.

Date and Location

Details of the 2024 event are yet to be announced.

Weather

The temperature ranges from 23 to 32°C. December heralds winter in Kerala, offering a refreshing escape with cooler temperatures and lower humidity until February. As misty glades unfold, the enchanting transformation of beaches in Kochi and tea-draped mountains beckons intrepid explorers to immerse themselves in the diverse wonders of this lush paradise.

Price

Tickets range from INR 50 to INR 4,000.

Accessibility

While the implementation of Braille at the Kochi Biennale is a positive step towards inclusivity, there is still much work to be done to further enhance accessibility. By recognizing the progress made while acknowledging the areas that require further attention, the Kochi Biennale can continue striving towards its goal of ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the cultural richness it offers.

Transport

To find the best route, have a look at the tips on this site.