Call for interns: The Pavilion of Finland at the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale

Archinfo, the Information Centre for Finnish Architecture, invites students from Aalto University, the University of Oulu, and Tampere University to apply for a unique internship opportunity at the Pavilion of Finland during the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale. The internship programme is open to students pursuing degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, and interior architecture. 

Each internship lasts approximately ten weeks. Interns will work as exhibition staff at the Pavilion of Finland in three groups covering the exhibition period from 3 May to 21 November 2027.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026

Please read the programme details and application instructions carefully before submitting your application.

What does the internship offer?

Interns can earn academic credits towards their degree. In addition, the programme offers a range of unique opportunities, including:

• Taking part in the world’s most prestigious architecture event and its programme
• Gaining in-depth knowledge of the exhibition theme and presenting it to an international audience
• Developing practical skills in architectural exhibition work and audience engagement in an international context
• Gaining in-depth knowledge about the Pavilion of Finland and La Biennale di Venezia
• Exploring the architecture of Venice
• Building international connections while living in Venice

Who can apply?

The internship programme is open to students of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior architecture enrolled at Finnish universities. It is particularly aimed at master’s-level students. 

Applicants must have a strong command of both spoken and written English. Knowledge of additional languages is an asset. 

We value:

• A strong interest and knowledge of Finnish architecture
• The ability to work independently and responsibly in an international setting
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong verbal communication skills 

Additional assets:

• Having taken part in the Pimeys arkkitehtuurissa ja kaupungissa course (autumn 2026)
• Previous experience as a guide at exhibitions or public events 
• Experience in creating content for social media

What are the intern’s responsibilities?

The intern will work four days a week at the Pavilion of Finland as an exhibition invigilator and serving the audience. Key duties include:

• Overseeing daily exhibition operations, such as opening, monitoring, and closing the exhibition 
• Enhancing the visitor experience by engaging with the audience and occasionally conducting guided tours
• Providing the visitors information about Finnish architecture and Finland in general
• Assisting in communication tasks, such as creating content for social media
• Other tasks related to the intern’s studies decided together with their university

The interns will undergo training in Helsinki in Spring 2027. The training will cover the exhibition content and practical aspects of living in Venice. Additionally, they will complete first aid training before the start of the internship. A second induction in Venice will include fire safety training and guidance on managing the venue and exhibition. 

Throughout the programme, interns will be supported by a local supervisor in Venice and a dedicated Archinfo team member in Finland.

What are the internship periods?

The interns will work in three groups covering the exhibition period from 3 May to 21 November 2027, which is divided in three ten-week periods: 

• Period 1: 3 May – 11 July 2027
• Period 2: 12 July – 19 September 2027
• Period 3: 20 September – 21 November 2027

Three interns will be selected for each period. The applicants’ wishes regarding the timing of their internship will be accommodated as much as possible.

The work week is approximately 35 hours. The Venice Architecture Biennale is open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday (with some exceptions), and work primarily takes place on these days.

What expenses are covered?

Archinfo will provide housing in a shared apartment in Venice. Each of the three interns in the group will have their own bedroom. Electricity and other accommodation costs are covered.

There is no salary paid for the internship. However, the intern will receive a daily allowance of €15 to cover basic living expenses. Additionally, the local transport card costs will be reimbursed, and interns will have free access to all Biennale exhibitions.

The interns have the opportunity to integrate the internship into their studies and earn academic credits from their university. Additionally, they can apply for financial support, such as an Erasmus grant or a travel allowance, through their university.

How to apply? 

Please send a one-page, free-form application in English along with your CV in a single PDF file, to venice@archinfo.fi by 15 November 2026. Do not include a portfolio.

In your application, indicate the internship period/-s when you would be available (see periods above). You may also indicate your preferred period. 

Please name the PDF file “Surname_Firstname” and include “Venice Internship Programme” in your email subject line.

Interviews will be organised at the latest in December, and the decisions will be announced in January 2027. 

Additional information

Francesco Raccanelli, Project Coordinator, Archinfo
francesco.raccanelli@archinfo.fi, +358 46 526 7853

Mari Forsberg, Production Specialist, Archinfo
mari.forsberg@archinfo.fi, +358 50 325 1909

University contacts

Assistant Professor Jenni Poutanen, Tampere University
jenni.poutanen@tuni.fi, +358 40 849 0445

Professor Janne Pihlajaniemi, University of Oulu
janne.pihlajaniemi@oulu.fi, +358 40 572 0895

Professor Jenni Reuter, Aalto University
jenni.reuter@aalto.fi, +358 50 305 5704

About La Biennale di Venezia

The Biennale Architettura, established in 1980, takes place every two years, alternating with the Biennale Arte, which began in 1895. The 2025 edition of the Architecture Biennale attracted nearly 300,000 visitors.

The 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale, themed Do Architecture – For the Possibility of Coexistence Facing a Real Reality will be held from 8 May to 21 November 2027. The 20th edition of the Biennale will be curated by Chinese architects and educators, Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu of the Amateur Architecture Studio.

For more information about the Venice Architecture Biennale, visit La Biennale di Venezia website.

About Archinfo as Commissioner

Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture has appointed Archinfo as Commissioner of the Pavilion of Finland at the International Architecture Exhibitions of La Biennale di Venezia. Read about the previous exhibitions produced by Archinfo through this link.

In 2027, the Pavilion of Finland’s exhibition will be curated by architect and curator Kaisa Karvinen. Alongside her curatorial work, Karvinen is preparing a doctoral dissertation at the University of Oulu and conducting independent grant-funded research into architectural exhibitions as a means of producing meaning and knowledge. The University of Oulu is a partner in the exhibition project.

About the Pavilion of Finland

Designed by Alvar Aalto, the Pavilion of Finland was completed in 1956 in the Giardini Park. Originally intended as a temporary structure, the small wooden building has remained in place to this day and is now one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the Giardini. Read more about the pavilion through this link.