Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Dec–Mar in Biennale years (most recent edition opened Dec 2025)
The Biennale was founded by artists Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu and is organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation. Each edition has a different artistic director who chooses the theme and the artists, bringing together work from India and around the world. The main venue is usually Aspinwall House, an old trading company compound on the Fort Kochi waterfront, with other works spread through warehouses and old buildings.
Editions have opened in December and run for about three to four months. The fifth edition was postponed by the pandemic and opened in December 2022; the sixth opened in December 2025 and ran into early 2026. Dates for the next edition depend on the Foundation's announcement, so check current status before you travel. Alongside the main exhibition, there are collateral shows, a students' biennale, talks and performances.
The Biennale changed Fort Kochi: galleries, cafes and restored warehouses now remain open between editions. Seeing it properly takes a full day, or two half-days, as venues are spread out. We arrange a guide who knows contemporary art, plan the route between venues, and book you into Fort Kochi so you can walk to most of them.
How to do it well
- Allow at least a full day; the main venue alone can take three hours.
- Buy a multi-day pass if you plan to visit over two days.
- Visit Aspinwall House in the morning, before the heat and the afternoon crowds.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the next Kochi-Muziris Biennale?
The Biennale is held roughly every two years, opening in December and running until about March or April. The most recent edition opened in December 2025. Dates for the next edition are set by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, so check current status before you travel.
Where is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale held?
Mainly in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, with Aspinwall House on the waterfront as the main venue, and other works in heritage warehouses, halls and open spaces nearby. Some editions have used venues in Ernakulam too. Most venues are within walking or short tuk-tuk distance of each other.
How long do I need for the Biennale?
At least one full day for the main venues, ideally two half-days to avoid fatigue in the heat. Add another half-day for collateral exhibitions. We suggest three nights in Fort Kochi in Biennale years, rather than the usual two.
Is there art to see in Kochi outside Biennale years?
Yes. Several galleries and art spaces in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry stay open year-round, some in warehouses used during the Biennale. Kochi also has street art and a growing contemporary scene. It is quieter, but still worth a few hours for art lovers.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
