The historic Palazzo Manfrin in Venice, acquired by renowned British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor in 2018 for his foundation, will welcome visitors this spring for the second time. The first opportunity was in 2022, when the palazzo collaborated with the Gallerie dell'Accademia to present an exhibition featuring Kapoor's innovative works utilizing nanotechnology.
Set to launch on May 5, just ahead of the 61st Venice Biennale, the upcoming exhibition will present approximately 100 architectural models, sculptures, and installations. Most of these works are connected to ambitious large-scale projects that were never realized throughout Kapoor's career spanning the last 50 years.
Kapoor emphasized to The Art Newspaper that the exhibition's focus on less commercially viable works is deliberate. "It's crucial that [the show] transcends market limitations. While there is a segment of my work available for purchase, I have consistently created diverse pieces--often made from wax and other materials--that I rarely sell. This approach invigorates my artistic practice," he stated.
Among the highlights will be a new version of At the Edge of the World (1998), featuring a large dome painted black on the interior, a shift from the original deep red. Additionally, a rendition of Descent into Limbo (1992) will remain at the Palazzo Manfrin even after the exhibition concludes in August. This installation previously garnered attention when a visitor inadvertently fell into its 8-foot pit during a showing in Porto, Portugal, in 2018. The exhibition will primarily showcase unrealized projects alongside new immersive installations.
Beyond the Venice exhibition, Kapoor has scheduled displays at various prestigious venues, including the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia (Feb. 9 - June 7, 2026), Lisson Gallery in New York (Feb. 11 - Apr. 11, 2026), Serlachius Museum in Mänttä, Finland (May 23 - Apr. 4, 2027), and Hayward Gallery in London (June 16 - Oct. 18, 2026).