On 6 May 2026, during the opening ceremony of the Dutch pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale, the first copy of the book The Netherlands at the Venice Biennale, 1895–2025: 130 Years of Visuals Arts on the International Stage, was presented to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima.
Commissioned by the Mondriaan Fund, art historian Nathalie Zonnenberg has conducted research into 130 years of Dutch representation at the Venice Biennale: the most influential international art exhibition, which has taken place biennially since 1895. The book describes the history of Dutch participation in the Venice Biennale, from the first Dutch works in the halls of the Central Pavilion to the acquisition of their own pavilion in 1914. From turbulent years and institutional shifts to the changing role of the curator and the influence of cultural policy on the Dutch entry. What happened behind the scenes? What were the reactions of the press? What changed over the years, and what, remarkably enough, remained the same?
This is the first time this history has been systematically mapped out. The publication offers a chronological overview of all Dutch entries and is structured into 56 short chapters, one for each edition in which the Netherlands participated.
“This overview offers valuable knowledge and a unique historical perspective. It makes clear that both the Venice Biennale and the Dutch entry have always been in flux and have consistently been shaped, in part, by the political and social context of their time. We are very grateful to Nathalie and her co-authors for guiding us through this rich history using sources and facts. It shows us that every new edition builds upon this significant art-historical past.” – Eva Postema, Interim Director of the Mondriaan Fund
“By comparing general (art) historical literature on the Biennale with primary source material from various Dutch institutions, insight has been gained into the artistic, cultural, and socio-political considerations underlying the choices for specific artists and themes. The Dutch submissions thus appear not only as cultural presentations, but also as outcomes of institutional decision-making and international relations.” – Nathalie Zonnenberg
About the book
The Netherlands at the Venice Biennale, 1895-2025: 130 Years of Visual Arts on an International Stage was commissioned by the Mondriaan Fund and compiled and written by Nathalie Zonnenberg, with contributions from Kees Keijer, Laurens Otto, and Jorne Vriens. Editing was handled by Milo Vermeire, published by Jap Sam Books, and designed by Studio Kader. The book is available for pre-order from May 28 on the Jap Sam Books website (japsambooks.nl). The publication appears in Dutch (9789076936666) and in English (9789076936673) and is available for €32.50.