Organisers announced the late cancellation on 4 May, days before the exhibition opens on 9 May in Venice with 100 participating countries.
No reason was given, but the move comes as Iran faces an uncertain ceasefire in its war with the United States and Israel.
The edition has been hit by wider geopolitical disputes, including South Africa's withdrawal, the prize jury's resignation and restrictions around Russia's pavilion.
When nations are accused of war crimes, can major cultural events like the Venice Biennale truly remain neutral platforms for art?
With its jury gone and awards decided by popular vote, has the Venice Biennale abandoned its critical role in the art world?
The 2026 Venice Biennale in Crisis: Iran's Withdrawal and the Collapse of Institutional Neutrality
Overview
On May 4, 2026, Iran abruptly withdrew from the Venice Biennale just days before the event opened, leaving significant gaps in the exhibition. This decision was driven by a fragile ceasefire amid conflict with the US and Israel, domestic logistical challenges, and strict state censorship. Iran also faced a difficult political position due to the Biennale's neutrality, which required participation alongside adversaries like Israel. The Biennale itself was in crisis after the entire international jury resigned over disputes about Israel and Russia's participation, leading to the replacement of juried awards with public voting. Iran's withdrawal deepened its cultural isolation and damaged its global art diplomacy at a time when the Biennale exposed urgent calls for institutional reform.