For the first time in Australia, The Pool: Architecture, Culture and Identity, Australia’s exhibition at the 2016 Venice Biennale, will be on display for local audiences in a special exhibit at NGV Australia in Melbourne.

Beginning in August, the immersive exhibition will explore public space as a vital component to society using one of Australia’s greatest cultural symbols – the pool.

The Australian exhibition in Venice, presented by the Australian Institute of Architects and curated by Aileen Sage Architects (Isabelle Toland and Amelia Holliday) with Michelle Tabet, used the pool as a lens through which to explore Australian cultural identity.

The Pool become Australia’s most visited exhibition on record with over 100,000 visitors during its May – November showing at the Australian Pavilion in Venice.

In addition to a physical pool complete with decking and custom-designed chairs, the multi-sensory installation will include narratives from eight prominent cultural leaders who shared their personal stories as part of the original exhibition.

The Pool: Architecture, Culture and Identity will be on display from 18 Aug 2017 – Feb 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, Melbourne. Entry is free. The companion publication, The Pool: Architecture, Culture and Identity in Australia, retails at $39.95 and is available through Books at Manic www.manic.com.au.

For more information on Australia’s participation in the 2018 Venice Biennale, please visit architecture.com.au/venicebiennale or email Mel Nelson.