The Pool Australia’s most visited Venice exhibition

The Australian Institute of Architects is pleased to announce that The Pool, Australia’s exhibition at the 15th International Architecture Biennale which drew to a close on Sunday 27 November, has become Australia’s most visited exhibition on record with over 100,000 visitors since opening in May.

The exhibition, presented by the Institute and curated by Aileen Sage Architects (Isabelle Toland and Amelia Holliday) with Michelle Tabet, used the pool as a lens through which to explore Australian cultural identity.

Ken Maher, National President of the Institute, said the visitor numbers were no surprise. ‘The compelling simplicity of The Pool offered an experience of reflection and respite within the intense content of the Architecture Biennale exhibits – engaging visitors in a sense of egalitarian culture and unique landscape that informs Australian architecture.’

Reflecting on the experience, the Creative Directors said, ‘We are thrilled that so many people from around the world enjoyed the exhibition and the commentary it offered about Australian architecture. It’s been an honour and a pleasure to host that many people in the space over the lifetime of the exhibition.’

Planning and preparation for Australia’s involvement in the 2018 International Architecture Biennale – La Biennale di Venezia is underway with the Call for Creative Director(s) to launch in January 2017. The Institute is thrilled to announce that the new Venice Biennale Committee will be chaired by Victorian Government Architect Jill Garner. We’re also very humbled that Janet Holmes à Court will again take the reigns as Commissioner for 2018.