For this year’s Biennale, Rem Koolhaas worked with a family-run workshop in Puglia to create Luminaire, an experiential gateway that leads visitors into the world of “Monditalia,” which is the architect’s story of Italy’s history through its relationship to architecture.

“The topics of Monditalia are the current state of Italy, between treasure and crisis, knowledge and controversies, history and politics, perfectly introduced by a special entrance gate which we developed with Swarovski,” said Koolhaas.

Rem Koolhaas

At its heart, there is a huge reproduction of a historic map which runs through the Arsenale’s long halls to create a literal procession through the country. The displays are paired with a program of theatre, music, film and dance, all drawn from the directors of the Venice Biennale’s festivities.

“It has been an honor to collaborate with Rem Koolhaas on such an uplifting and inspiring installation,” said Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board. “Luminaire acts as a transformative portal to the world of Monditalia, Rem’s vivid tableau of Italian history, and offers a fresh perspective, literally bringing new light to bear on a familiar place.”

This year’s architecture portion of the Venice Biennale, entitled Fundamentals, is a major restaging, renewing the Biennale’s emphasis on the history of architecture and architectural culture.

Fundamentals consists of three interlocking exhibitions: Elements of Architecture in the Central Pavilion; Absorbing Modernity 1914-2014 in the National Pavilions; and Monditalia featuring Luminaire, which fills the halls of the Arsenale. Together they illuminate the past, present and future of architecture.

In addition to the exhibitions being open for public tours, the Venice Biennale will offer special programs for universities, educational activities for children and special lectures featuring Koolhaas and other architects and designers. Visit the website for additional information as well as the schedule of events.

Fundamentals, directed by Koolhaas and chaired by Paolo Baratta, will be open to the public from June 7 through November 23, in the Giardini and the Arsenale. The Venice Biennale also features exhibits and special events in the categories of art, cinema, dance, music and theater.