Mostra di Architettura di Venezia, the Architecture section of the Venice Biennale, was established in 1980, although architecture had been a part of the art biennale since 1975. The 2004 exhibition was called the "Metamorph". The 10th exhbition, in 2006, was directed by Richard Burdett and dedicated to the theme of Cities, architecture and society.

As well as addressing the academic side of architecture, the Biennale is an occasion where big-name architects and designers can showcase new projects, arranged in different pavilions, each with different themes. The Biennale is currently held in the Biennale Gardens.