Qatar makes its inaugural appearance at the prestigious 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia with a captivating exhibition titled “Beyti Beytak. My Home is Your Home. La mia casa è la tua casa.” This two-part exhibition, which will run from May 10 to November 23, 2025, reflects Qatar’s deep cultural commitment to hospitality, community, and the importance of space in urban and architectural design. It explores these themes within the context of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) regions. The exhibition, presented by Qatar Museums, is organized by the upcoming Art Mill Museum, and is set in two key locations: the Giardini della Biennale and the ACP-Palazzo Franchetti.
This marks Qatar’s first official participation at the Venice Architecture Biennale, a milestone that reflects the nation’s cultural diplomacy efforts and commitment to engaging in global conversations about architectural innovation. Through this participation, Qatar aims to present its evolving architectural identity, rooted in both modernity and its rich cultural heritage, while encouraging an exchange of ideas between the East and West.
A Cultural Debut with a Global Message
Qatar’s presence at the Venice Biennale is highly symbolic. “Beyti Beytak”—meaning “My Home is Your Home” in Arabic, Italian, and English—carries a universal message of hospitality and belonging. This theme is central to both Qatari culture and the broader values of the MENASA region. The exhibition seeks to highlight how architectural practices and urban spaces within these regions have evolved to reflect community and hospitality, while at the same time considering modern challenges and innovations.
The exhibition encourages viewers to think beyond conventional architecture by presenting diverse designs that provide insight into how architecture in MENASA communities is shaped by the region’s long-standing traditions of openness and community building. It also addresses the ways these practices are being reinterpreted and adapted to suit contemporary needs and urban life.
Giardini Installation: Yasmeen Lari’s Community Centre
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the striking installation at the Giardini della Biennale, designed by renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari. The Community Centre installation is built using bamboo and sustainable materials, reflecting Lari’s humanitarian approach to architecture. Lari, who is known for her work with the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, has long championed the use of eco-friendly materials in construction. This particular project exemplifies her belief that architecture should serve the community in meaningful, sustainable ways, especially in the context of natural disasters and economic hardship.
The Community Centre installation at the Giardini is designed not only as a functional space but also as a reflection of the essence of Qatari hospitality. Visitors will experience elements commonly found in Qatari homes, such as the offering of coffee and dates, which are traditional gestures of warmth and generosity in Qatari culture. The installation fosters an atmosphere of cultural exchange, where visitors can come together, share stories, and engage in meaningful conversations about the importance of hospitality in both everyday life and architectural design.
ACP-Palazzo Franchetti: A Broader Vision of MENASA Architecture
At the ACP-Palazzo Franchetti, the second part of the exhibition offers a deeper dive into the broader architectural landscape of the MENASA region. Over 20 leading architects and designers from across the region contribute their works to this thematic exploration. The exhibition is divided into sections that explore key architectural elements and spaces, including oases, city housing, community centers, mosques, museums, and gardens. Each section is designed to tell the story of how architecture in the MENASA region has evolved to accommodate the specific needs of the community, climate, and culture.
One of the most engaging sections of the exhibition focuses on the city of Doha and its remarkable transformation. It features a collection of restored doors from Doha’s old city, a symbolic gesture that connects the past to the present. These doors, which once marked the boundaries between private and public spaces, serve as a reminder of Qatar’s architectural heritage and its ongoing efforts to preserve and modernize its urban environment. The exhibition emphasizes that while the region has experienced rapid modernization, traditional values and forms are still deeply ingrained in the city’s architectural fabric.
Visionary Leadership Behind the Exhibition
Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Commissioner of the Qatar Pavilion and Chairperson of Qatar Museums, has expressed that “Beyti Beytak” serves as a powerful reflection of Qatar’s evolving architectural and cultural identity. She explains that the exhibition is not only about showcasing architectural design but also about highlighting the values of hospitality, community, and inclusivity that are essential to the culture of Qatar and the MENASA region.
Sheikha Al Mayassa also underscores the significance of Qatar’s participation in the Venice Biennale as a way to amplify voices from the Arab world and neighboring regions, providing a platform for architects and designers from these areas to share their perspectives on the role of architecture in society. In her words, “This exhibition speaks to the core of our shared values—those of hospitality, openness, and mutual respect—and encourages dialogue on how architecture can bring people together.”
Building the Future: Qatar’s Permanent Pavilion
In addition to the exhibition, Qatar has announced plans to build a permanent national pavilion in the Giardini, marking a historic achievement as the first Gulf nation to establish a permanent presence at the Venice Biennale. While the pavilion will not be completed in time for the 2025 exhibition, the installation of Yasmeen Lari’s Community Centre at the Giardini serves as a prelude to this long-term project. The permanent pavilion will become an essential part of Qatar’s ongoing participation in the Biennale and will further strengthen its cultural and architectural diplomacy on the global stage.
A Global Conversation on Hospitality, Community, and Architecture
The “Beyti Beytak” exhibition aims to bring together people from around the world to engage in a meaningful discussion about the role of architecture in fostering community and inclusivity. The exhibition challenges visitors to think critically about how spaces can reflect and support the values of hospitality, belonging, and shared experiences. By showcasing the work of MENASA architects and designers, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore how these regions address universal challenges through innovative and culturally rooted design practices.
Conclusion: Qatar’s Bold Cultural Statement
Qatar’s debut at the Venice Architecture Biennale with “Beyti Beytak” marks a significant moment in the nation’s cultural history. By emphasizing the themes of hospitality, community, and belonging through architecture, Qatar is making a bold statement on the global stage. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the importance of shared values and the power of architecture to create spaces that connect us all. Through this exhibition, Qatar is not just showcasing its architectural prowess but is also contributing to a larger global conversation about how design can shape a more inclusive and interconnected world.
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