Quadriennale

Quadriennale, from the Italian quadriennale meaning “four-yearly,” is a term used for large-scale art and cultural exhibitions scheduled on a four-year cycle. In practice, quadriennales function similarly to biennales or triennales but on a four-year cadence, presenting surveys of contemporary practice and experimentation across visual arts, architecture, and related disciplines. They are typically organized by national cultural institutions, foundations, or governments and are open to international participation.

Format and programming typically include a central exhibition guided by a guest or invited curator, complemented by satellite venues, thematic chapters, talks, publications, and educational activities. Some editions feature national or international pavilions, commissions, and prize components. The editorial outputs and catalogues aim to document evolving trends and provide critical context for new work.

Notable examples: La Quadriennale di Roma, Italy, is among the most widely recognized quadrennial exhibitions of contemporary art, with a long-running program that has helped illuminate Italian and international practice. Other countries have hosted quadrennial events under various organizational names, illustrating the form's adaptability to different cultural contexts.

See also: Biennale, Triennale.