KENGO KITO- LINES
LINES by KENGO KITO
curated by Masahiko Haito
May 6 – September 28, 2025
National Archaeological Museum of Venice- Historical courtyard and room 5
On the occasion of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2025, the National Archaeological Museum of Venice hosts the exhibition LINES by the Japanese artist KengoKito, curated by Masahito Kito and organized by “anonymous art project”.
Kengo Kito’s research focuses on the skillful use of ready-made materials to create paintings and environmental installations.
In LINES, Kengo Kito’s site-specific installations suggest to the audience interesting reflections on the connection between art and architecture, in particular between Ancient Roman artworks, the result of centuries of Venetian collecting, and the genius of Vincenzo Scamozzi, the Renaissance architect who designed the historic courtyard of the Archaeological Museum. Kengo Kito’s project enriches the dialogue between eras and architectural forms with a modernist gesture that also winks at the decorative pattern of the Byzantine architecture of the nearby Basilica of San Marco.
Kengo Kito’s intervention helps to announce, after years, the reopening of the historical courtyard of the National Archaeological Museum, where the sculpture of Marco Vipsanio Agrippa stands out.
Starting from May 6, indeed, the public will be able to visit the courtyard designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi at number 17 in Piazzetta San Marco and this courtyard will be a new entrance which integrates with the existing access located in the Napoleonic Wing of Correr Museum.
Kengo Kito (1977, Nagoya, Giappone) is known for his installations made of colorful hula hoops, fabrics and industrial products. He is active both in Japan and internationally. He has worked in New York and Berlin. He is currently a professor at the Graduate School of Kyoto University of Art.
Masahiko Haito (1964, Nagoya, Japan)worked as curator, deputy director and director of the Aichi Prefectural Art Museum. He is currently working as a freelance curator.
“anonymous art project” was founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Hiroyuki Maki, who decided to personally invest in the promotion and support of contemporary Japanese art. Since its inauguration, the project has already implemented important initiatives aimed at supporting artists, curators and cultural institutions. LINES by Kengo Kito is an independent initiative supporting the Japan Pavilion exhibition at the Venice Biennale, titled In-Between. “anonymous art project” supported the maintenance intervention of a part of the historical courtyard of the National Archaeological Museum of Venice.
Entrance : Piazzetta San Marco, 17
Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets: free entrance to the courtyard; 8 euros for the National Archaeological Museum of Venice and the monumental rooms of Marciana Library (except for reductions and free admission by law);30 euros for the integrated ticket for the National Archaeological Museum of Venice, the monumental rooms of Marciana Library, Doge’s Palace and Correr Museum (except for reductions and free admission).
Ph. Credits: Joan Porcel
