The Malta Biennale returns from March 11 to May 29, 2026, transforming the islands once again into a vibrant platform for contemporary art. Launched in 2024, the Biennale received UNESCO patronage alongside that of the President of Malta. The inaugural edition featured over 100 artists from 35 countries across 21 historic sites in Valletta, The Three Cities, and Gozo’s Cittadella, with 14 national and thematic pavilions exploring Mediterranean culture, identity, piracy, and post-colonialism.

For 2026, internationally acclaimed artist Maurizio Cattelan will headline the Biennale, known for his provocative works such as America (2016) and Comedian (2019). Cattelan is one of eight invited artists, and his work will be presented alongside over 130 Maltese and international artists. The exhibition will unfold across 11 Heritage Malta venues in Valletta, Vittoriosa, Xagħra, and Victoria, under the artistic direction of Rosa Martínez.

The Malta national pavilion at MUŻA will feature Victor Agius, Roderick Camilleri, and Gulja Holland, joined by invited artists Vince Briffa and Pierre Portelli, curated by Dr Katya Micallef. The 2026 edition expands to 27 pavilions, including eight national pavilions, Malta, Poland, Spain, Finland, Armenia, China, Serbia, and France, and 19 thematic pavilions, with collaborations from international biennales including Gwangju and the Çanakkale Biennial Initiative. A pioneering pavilion by the Correctional Services Agency, showcasing works by its residents, underlines the Biennale’s commitment to diverse voices and broadening cultural participation.