Kochi Biennale draws 1.6 lakh footfalls in first 20 days, signals strong cultural momentum

Kochi / January 2, 2026

Kochi, Jan 02: The Kochi–Muziris Biennale has welcomed an impressive influx of around 1.6 lakh visitors from December 12 to December 31, reflecting sustained public interest and the expanding cultural impact of India's largest contemporary art event.

Organisers say the numbers reflect strong tourist engagement and a growing local audience that returns multiple times to experience this edition's scale and diversity.

The integration of AI-based data tools into visitor management and analytics systems is expected to further refine projections and insights in the coming weeks.

Biennale officials said this would enable more accurate tracking of visitor flows, peak timings, venue popularity, and engagement patterns, helping to improve planning, crowd management, and audience outreach.

Dr Venu V, Chairperson of the Kochi Biennale Foundation, said the defining feature of this edition was its expanded geographical and artistic spread.

“This edition is characterised by a wider range of venues than before. The addition of performative art enhances the experience and encourages repeat visits,” he said.

Unlike earlier editions that were primarily concentrated in a few major hubs, this iteration of the Biennale has unfolded across a broader network of sites, historic buildings, warehouses, public spaces and neighbourhood venues, turning Kochi itself into a living exhibition map.

“There are 29 venues, of which only six are ticketed. As a result, the overall footfall has increased manifold. Several venues do not require tickets, such as the Art by Children and the Students’ Biennale, where visitor numbers are not ticketed and therefore cannot be accurately measured at present. With the implementation of AI-based systems, we will be able to get a more exact figure,” said Thomas Varghese, CEO of the Kochi Biennale Foundation.

This spatial diversity, combined with a strong presence of performance-based works, has encouraged audiences to return repeatedly, often discovering new installations, live art events, and evolving works on subsequent visits.

Cultural observers note that the Biennale’s growing appeal lies not only in its international artistic presence but also in its ability to remain accessible to diverse audiences: from students and families to scholars, artists and tourists.

With several weeks of programming still ahead, organisers expect footfall to rise steadily through January and February, supported by school holidays, tourist inflow and word-of-mouth interest.

As Kochi continues to position itself as a global cultural destination, the Biennale’s substantial early numbers underline its role not just as an art exhibition, but as a significant public cultural movement shaping the city’s identity and economy.

ENDS
 

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