The United States pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale has raised about $1.4 million of its projected $2.5 million budget, leaving a gap of roughly $1 million. The shortfall affects the exhibition's closeout, including dismantling, storage and shipping the sculptures back to the United States.
Created by American sculptor Alma Allen, the large stone and metal works are currently in Venice. The pavilion has no storage space, and the building's owner, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, has no room available for them. With the Biennale scheduled to close next month, organizers are seeking additional funding.
The U.S. Department of State provided a $375,000 grant, while private donations were expected to cover the remaining costs. The American Arts Conservancy, the nonprofit organizing the pavilion, has not announced a plan for the sculptures if the funding gap remains.
Securing sustainable support for exhibition logistics could help future international art projects plan not only for presenting works, but also for their care and return.
