How to spend 2 days at Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025-2026

Here’s a thoughtfully curated 2-day itinerary for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025–26 that balances art exploration, performances, and the unique cultural vibe of Kochi.

Day 1: Immersion into Contemporary Art & Heritage
Morning (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Start at Aspinwall House – the Biennale’s main venue, showcasing large-scale installations and international artists like Adrián Villar Rojas, Otobong Nkanga, and LaToya Ruby Frazier.
- Walk through the waterfront galleries, enjoy site-specific works, and soak in the curatorial theme “For The Time Being” which emphasizes process and dialogue.

Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
- Head to Fort Kochi cafés (Kashi Art Café or Pepper House Café) – both are Biennale-linked spaces where art and food blend beautifully.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Visit Pepper House – a heritage warehouse turned art space, often hosting video installations and artist talks.
- Explore David Hall Art Gallery for smaller curated exhibitions and experimental works.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Attend a performance or film screening at Biennale venues.
- Dinner at a seaside restaurant in Fort Kochi, enjoying Kerala seafood with a view of the Chinese fishing nets.

Day 2: Dialogues, Performances & Local Culture
Morning (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Begin at Durbar Hall, Ernakulam – featuring curated exhibitions by Indian artists like Gulam Mohammed Sheikh, Jayashree Chakravarty, and Biraaj Dodiya.
- Explore Students’ Biennale and Art by Children Pavilion to see grassroots creativity and educational projects.

Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
- Try traditional Kerala cuisine at Kayees Rahmathulla Café (famous for biryani) or a modern fusion spot in Jew Town.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Attend a talk, panel discussion or worksop.
- Visit Mattancherry venues (e.g., Indian Chamber Centenary Building) for installations and community-led projects.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Catch a live music performance (such as The F16s or local fusion acts).
- End with a sunset stroll along Fort Kochi beach, reflecting on the Biennale’s art ecosystem.

Tips for Visitors
- Book entry passes online in advance.
- Wear comfortable shoes – venues are spread across Fort Kochi & Ernakulam.
- Carry water and sunscreen; Kochi’s January weather is warm and humid.
- Keep evenings flexible – performances and screenings often change daily.