Through a partnership with Sesc DF and the Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy of the Federal District Government, the Museu Nacional da República hosts the traveling exhibitions program of the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, reinforcing the Bienal’s presence in Brazil’s capital, which welcomes the program for the third time. The exhibition takes place concurrently with the traveling exhibition of the Brazilian participation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. The educational program for both exhibitions, including guided mediation and group visits, is presented by Sesc DF and takes place simultaneously at the Museu Nacional da República and the Centro Cultural Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU), featuring a film screening and other activities—all of free admission —curated by Keyna Eleison. The opening takes place on April 9, from 7 pm to 9 pm, and the exhibition runs through May 31.
The choice of venue is not incidental. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the museum shares an architectural lineage with the Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, headquarters of the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, also designed by Niemeyer. The dialogue between the artworks and this space, dedicated to the encounter between art and the public, is further intensified as two of the Fundação’s projects occupy the museum simultaneously.
The traveling exhibition in Brasília is curated by Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung together with co-curator André Pitol, with exhibition design by Tiago Guimarães. In the federal capital, the selection brings together works by Akinbode Akinbiyi, Aline Baiana, Ana Raylander Mártis dos Anjos, Edival Ramosa, Ernest Cole, Leo Asemota, Malika Agueznay, Manauara Clandestina, Mao Ishikawa, Moisés Patrício, Myriam Omar Awadi, Myrlande Constant, Pélagie Gbaguidi, Rebeca Carapiá, Sadikou Oukpedjo, Sérgio Soarez, Tanka Fonta, and Theo Eshetu.
Conjugations: TCU Chapter – With brand-new, completely free events designed specifically for the Centro Cultural TCU’s venues, the program offers an exclusive public lineup focused on the local context. The initiative features a selection of films shown at the exhibition in São Paulo, as well as workshops led by artists and collectives participating in the main exhibition, creating new opportunities to engage with the research and practices that run through the Biennial.
For Andrea Pinheiro, presenting the traveling exhibition in Brasília reinforces the commitment to expanding access to contemporary art: “The Bienal’s continued presence in the federal capital highlights the importance of bringing the exhibition’s discussions to diverse audiences and contexts, broadening its reach and interpretive possibilities.”
Conceived by general curator Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung in collaboration with co-curators Alya Sebti, Anna Roberta Goetz, and Thiago de Paula Souza, co-curator at large Keyna Eleison, and communications and strategy advisor Henriette Gallus, along with associate curators Leonardo Matsuhei and André Pitol, the 36th Bienal de São Paulo – Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice draws inspiration from the poem Da calma e do silêncio by Conceição Evaristo, and is grounded in the active listening of humanity in constant movement, encounter, and negotiation.
Beyond the presentation of artworks, the traveling exhibition program is structured around a transversal educational axis, with training for local teams, online and in-person meetings, pedagogical support, and activities for diverse audiences, including guided tours, talks, teacher workshops, and educational programs for students.
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36th Bienal de São Paulo – Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice
chief curator: Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung
co-curators: Alya Sebti, Anna Roberta Goetz, Thiago de Paula Souza
co-curator at large: Keyna Eleison
strategy and communications advisor: Henriette Gallus
deputy co-curators: André Pitol, Leonardo Matsuhei
Traveling exhibition Brasília – Museu Nacional da República
curator: Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung
co-curator: André Pitol
exhibition design: Tiago Guimarães
opening: Apr 9, Thurs, 7 pm – 9 pm
on view: Apr 10 – May 31, 2026
Tues – Sun, 9 am – 6:30 pm
Museu Nacional da República
Setor Cultural Sul, Lote 2
Brasília, Brazil
free admission
Brasília – Conjugations: TCU Chapter
curator: Keyna Eleison
Apr 10 – May 31, 2026
Centro Cultural Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU)
St. de Clubes Esportivos Sul Trecho 3
Brasília – Brazil
free admission