Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025: What Visitors to Kochi Should Know
- Benjamin John
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
The vibrant port town of Kochi is once again preparing to host the Kochi-Muziris Biennale—India’s largest contemporary art exhibition and one of the most influential art festivals in Asia. The upcoming 6th edition, scheduled from December 12, 2025 to March 31, 2026, promises to turn Fort Kochi into a living canvas of global creativity.
Though the biennale had disruptions in 2020 and 2024, this edition marks a grand return, rekindling Kochi’s connection to its historic trade legacy, artistic expression, and cultural inclusiveness.
What Is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale?
Launched in 2012, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale was conceptualised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, a non-profit supported by the Government of Kerala and global art patrons. Spearheaded by artists Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, the event was born from a bold vision to bring contemporary international art to Indian shores—right in the heart of Kerala’s historic spice trade port.
Since then, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary platform that includes visual art installations, films, music, performance, literature, workshops, and public discussions.
What Can Visitors Expect?
If you’re visiting Fort Kochi during the biennale, expect more than just an art show—it’s a sensory experience spread across dozens of venues, many of which are normally inaccessible private godowns, heritage homes, and warehouses. These spaces are transformed into immersive art galleries, often set against the scenic backdrop of Kochi’s backwaters.
You’ll encounter:
Large-scale art installations—some truly massive
Experimental films and conceptual exhibits
Graffiti on colonial walls and alleyways
Interactive storytelling through mixed media
Cafés, galleries, and community spaces buzzing with conversations on art and culture
Whether you're a casual traveler or a serious art lover, the Biennale offers something profound. If you're genuinely interested in contemporary art, consider staying an extra day or two in Kochi just to explore the exhibits. Even with a single day, you can visit a handful of key venues and get a strong impression of the event's depth.
Dates: When is the 2025 Biennale?
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 will officially open on December 12, 2025, and continue until March 31, 2026. Preparations usually begin months in advance, and the entire town of Fort Kochi gradually transforms into an open-air art space. Artists begin installing their works as early as October, giving early visitors a sneak peek into the process.
To explore the legacy of past editions, you can view curated exhibits from the 2022 edition on the Google Arts & Culture platform.
Impact on the Community
The Biennale is more than a festival—it's a cultural movement. Alongside international exhibits, the event includes:
Children’s Biennale – nurturing creativity in younger generations
Art forums and discussions
Short film screenings and performances
Workshops and visual storytelling studios
These initiatives foster dialogue between artists, locals, and visitors—leaving behind a lasting cultural imprint. Half of the participating artists are international, providing Kerala with global visibility and community interaction.
Why the Biennale is a Traveler’s Delight
One of the unique aspects of the Biennale is access to Kochi’s hidden spaces—waterfront godowns, old colonial buildings, and inner courtyards that aren’t usually open to the public. Many of these spaces offer breathtaking views of the backwaters, making them ideal for slow travel, quiet contemplation, or photography. Aspinwall, Pepper house are a few to name
Expect:
Nominal entry tickets that give access to most venues
Helpful volunteers at every location
Art cafés and local eateries offering refreshments
Great photography opportunities in ambient light and historical settings
How to Prepare for Your Visit
To make the most of your Biennale experience:
Don’t expect traditional art – this is bold, modern, and experimental
Read exhibit descriptions to understand each work's context and concept
Wear light cotton clothing – Kochi will be sunny and humid
Bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated
Photography is allowed, but bring a power bank if using your phone extensively
Visit the official Biennale website to plan your route and select venues of interest
If you’re in a group, keep noise levels low; this is best experienced in quiet reflection, sometimes, even solo
Frequently Asked Questions About Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025
When is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025? The Biennale will run from December 12, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Where is the Kochi Biennale held? Mostly in Fort Kochi, across various restored heritage buildings and warehouses.
Is the Kochi Biennale open to tourists?
Yes, it’s open to all. Tickets are affordable and allow entry to multiple venues.
How long should I spend at the Biennale? Art lovers may want 2–3 days. Casual visitors can enjoy highlights in 1 day.
A Personal Touch
We’ve captured snippets of past editions in short videos from 2016 and 2018—feel free to check them out below for a glimpse of what’s to come.
If you’re in Kerala between December '25 and March '26, make sure Kochi is on your itinerary. The Biennale is more than an art show—it’s a moment in time when the soul of Kochi reveals itself through creativity, community, and culture. In case if you require more information or assistance in having a Kerala travel arrangement seeing other places in Kerala as well, we have a list of curated Kerala travel itineraries if you are planning to visit Kerala in 2025, you can probably have a look at it. More information about who we are - about Green Earth Trails
The Biennale foundation has an array of resource to know more about the initiative - Kochi Muziris Biennale YouTube & Instagram [if you would like to have updates from them]
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