The Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art was officially founded in 2003 and took place for the first time from January 28 to February 28, 2005. The inaugural exhibition featured projects by 41 artists from 22 countries. The main project was curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, Rosa Martinez, Nicolas Bourriaud, Iara Bobunova, Daniel Birnbaum, and Joseph Backstein. In 2009, the Moscow Biennale was moved to September. It has been held in autumn ever since.
The main goal of the Moscow Biennale is to introduce audiences to new artists from around the world and new trends in contemporary art. The program of the event typically includes the main project comprising several exhibitions, special projects, parallel program, special guests program, and other events. It has closed and open segments. The closed program is designed for the professional audience, and the open program is for the general public.
The Moscow International Biennale of Contemporary art draws artists, art critics, art historians, and other professionals from around the world. Over the years, it has featured artists from Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Iceland, Japan, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, the United States, and other countries.
The main project of the Moscow Biennale has been hosted by different venues, including the former Lenin Museum in the Red Square, the Federation Tower, TsUM — Central Universal Department Store, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, the State Tretyakov Gallery, and others. Special projects take place in multiple venues throughout Moscow, from museums, galleries and performing arts centers to clubs and metro stations.
