The Venice International Film Festival — the Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica — was first held in 1932 on the terrace of the Excelsior, making it the oldest film festival in the world. It moved into the purpose-built Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Marconi in 1937, and the rationalist Palazzo del Casinò next door followed soon after. Both still host the festival today, alongside newer screening venues in the grounds.
For about eleven days between late August and early September the seafront changes completely: red carpet, barriers, photographers, flags and water taxis unloading stars at the Excelsior jetty. The top prize is the Golden Lion. For the rest of the year the buildings are quiet, and the area is simply part of the Lido’s long seafront promenade.
Top things to do at Palazzo del Cinema & the Film Festival
Watch the red carpet
Arrivals for the evening premieres can be watched from the public areas along the barriers — it costs nothing, but people claim a spot hours ahead for the big nights. Daytime photo calls are easier.
Buy a ticket for a public screening
Many festival screenings are open to the public. Tickets are sold online through the Biennale’s official ticketing site, usually released a few days before each screening, and popular films sell out fast. Check the official festival site for the current year’s dates and rules.
Walk the Lungomare outside festival time
The 1930s architecture of the Palazzo del Cinema and the Casinò, the Excelsior next door and the Hotel des Bains down the road make the Lungomare Marconi an easy half-hour walk through the Lido’s golden age.
How to get to Palazzo del Cinema & the Film Festival
- From Santa Maria Elisabetta: walk down the Gran Viale to the sea and turn right along the Lungomare — about 20 minutes on foot, or a short bus ride.
- During the festival: extra boats and shuttle services usually run; check the festival and ACTV announcements for the year.
- By bike: the flattest and fastest way to move around the island, but expect closures around the red carpet in festival weeks.
Insider tips
- If you want to stay on the Lido during the festival, book months ahead: rooms are scarce and prices rise sharply.
- Accreditation is only for industry, press and students — ordinary visitors buy public screening tickets.
- Weekends and the opening night are the busiest; weekdays in the second week are calmer.
- Bring patience and water for the red-carpet crowds in the early-September heat.
Best tours & tickets for Palazzo del Cinema & the Film Festival
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Palazzo del Cinema & the Film Festival:
Cruise from €40 Venice: Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Music and Drinks
A sociable ninety-minute catamaran cruise across the lagoon with a drink in hand — Venice seen the way it was designed to be seen, from the water. Rated 4.7 from more than 500 reviews and good value for what it is.
- The skyline of San Marco from the water
- Drinks and a music soundtrack on deck
- Calm lagoon waters, ideal at sunset
Guided tour Venice: Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour
A short vaporetto ride from the Lido lies the heart of the old Republic: a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica with reserved entry. The single most useful booking to make for a day in the historic centre.
- Skip the queues at Venice’s two unmissable sights
- The golden mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica
- Council chambers, the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons
