18th Biennale de Lyon Opens Under Australian-Born Curator

The 18th edition of the Biennale de Lyon officially opened its doors on 19 September 2026 and will continue until 13 December. This year’s Biennale is curated by Catherine Nichols, who was born in Australia and is currently based in Berlin. The event brings together a variety of contemporary art, including Laure Prouvost’s work "Hovering Caress Amère" (2022–2026), which is on display at the Grandes Locos venue.

The Biennale’s opening coincides with other notable art events in Europe. In Denmark, the Louisiana Museum in Humlebæk launched an exhibition of works by Remedios Varo on 18 September 2026, with the show scheduled to run until 10 January 2027. After its run in Denmark, the exhibition will travel to the Moderna Museet in Stockholm in 2027, further expanding the reach of Varo’s art.

While the Biennale de Lyon is a significant event for contemporary art, it is part of a broader cultural landscape that includes major exhibitions and projects across Europe. The involvement of Catherine Nichols as curator highlights the international dimension of the Biennale and offers a point of connection for Australian audiences interested in global art developments.

The 18th Biennale de Lyon continues the city’s tradition of presenting contemporary art to an international audience. The inclusion of artists such as Laure Prouvost and the leadership of an Australian-born curator reflect the event’s commitment to diversity and cross-cultural dialogue.

For Australian readers, the Biennale’s direction under Catherine Nichols provides a unique perspective on the global art scene and underscores the ongoing exchange between Australia and the international art community.