His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Máxima will open the Dutch Pavilion of the Venice Biennale on Wednesday 6 May 2026. Minister Letschert of Education, Culture and Science will also attend the opening and give a speech. The Dutch entry at the 61st edition of the biennale is entitled The Fortress and was developed by artist Dries Verhoeven, in collaboration with curator Rieke Vos. The visit underlines the value of Dutch art and culture on an international level.
Verhoeven and Vos' work marks the first time performance art is on show in the Dutch pavilion. The Fortress explores the human need for self-protection and the urge to secure one's own boundaries, way of life and peace of mind. Shutters slowly close off the 1954 pavilion designed by Gerrit Rietveld and a performer depicts how a society tries to hold its ground amid the falling darkness.
The Royal Couple and Minister Letschert visit The Fortress in the Dutch pavilion and then some other country pavilions at the Giardini Della Biennale, the park in Venice that hosts much of the biennale. The Royal Couple will also be presented with a book; a historical overview of the Dutch entries from 1985 to 2024. Researcher Nathalie Zonnenberg made this book on behalf of the Mondriaan Fund.
The Mondriaan Fund is the public incentive fund for visual arts and cultural heritage and is responsible for the Dutch entry to the Venice Biennale. This is the 15th time the Mondriaan Fund is providing the Dutch entry. The presentation is financed from the international budget the fund receives from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). Dutch participation in the Biennale increases and strengthens the visibility of Dutch art on a global level.
The Venice Biennale is one of the biggest international art events and has been held biennially in the Italian city since 1895. The 61st Venice Biennale will take place from 9 May to 22 November 2026.
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