Opening the Biennale! The Vernissage

Over two days the Arsenale & Giardini hosted the openings for the national Pavilion & thematic exhibitions. The avenues flooded with people as exhibitions were officially opened, proseco poured and talks held; including a panel session with curator of the 14th Venice Architecture Biennale, Rem Koolhaas.

Here's a snapshot if some of the vernissage moments over the 6th and 7th of June.

Friday afternoon panel discussion with Rem Koolhaas, far right

Rem Koolhaas on city identity, history, preservation and
 the "it" colour of this year's Biennale

Nordic Pavilion opening

The Canadian Pavilion
Included throat singing, tying in with the theme of their exhibition 

Inside the Austrian exhibition opening
Exhibition models of parliaments, Australia's featured 

Austrian Pavilion opening
The Austrian creative team present 

Belgium opening. Creative team 

Round table - USA Pavilion opening
setting up architectural practice in the Giardini, OfficeUS

Great Britain
FAT and Crimson Architectural Historians 

Great Britain's opening
Thursday afternoon, 4pm