What major art exhibition, the sixth edition, opened in Kochi, India, in December 2025?

The major art exhibition that opened in Kochi, India, in December 2025, for its sixth edition, is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. This significant event is recognized as India's largest international exhibition of contemporary art and one of Asia's most prominent contemporary art festivals. It transforms the historic port city of Kochi into a vibrant cultural hub every two years, utilizing heritage buildings, warehouses, and public spaces as unique venues for artistic display.

Conceived by artists Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale was first launched in 2012 with support from the Government of Kerala. The Biennale aims to foster artistic experimentation, cross-cultural dialogue, and public engagement with contemporary art, while also invoking the cosmopolitan legacy of Kochi and its mythical predecessor, the ancient port of Muziris. Muziris was a crucial trading center with international associations dating back over 2000 years, connecting India with Roman, Greek, Chinese, Jewish, and Arab traders. This historical backdrop provides a rich tapestry for the Biennale's exploration of global artistic concerns within a deeply local context.

The sixth edition, titled "For the Time Being," commenced on December 12, 2025, and is curated by acclaimed performance artist Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces. This edition features a dynamic mix of artists and collectives from across India and the globe, emphasizing embodied knowledge, performance, and a process-oriented experience. Beyond the main exhibition, the Biennale also hosts various parallel events including talks, film programs, workshops, and educational projects, such as the Students' Biennale, further cementing its role as a vital platform for art education and cultural exchange.