The Living Orders of Venice

Live-updating map of wild species observed in the 7-month-long Biennale Bioblitz field study, which runs through November 23, 2025

The Bat Capital attaches to the top of an exterior column or pilaster, providing a safe, cool place for common noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) to roost and hibernate. Its wood envelope curls upward, akin to sensitive vegetal ornament, to reveal textured entries that help the bats climb inside.

The Pollinator Ball provides thousands of tube-shaped chambers that solitary bees seek for nesting. Able to attach to a building’s eaves, garden wall, or urban infrastructure, the Ball should be located near flowering plants with east/southeast exposure. Its tiers translate the decorative moldings of classical entablature into functional habitat, shading the dwellings below from hot sun and inclement weather.

The Cavity-Dweller Column is made of ceramic vessels that are sized and shaped to house the common swift (Apus apus) and other cavity-nesting birds. The seven unique vessel types are designed to nest together, forming an aperiodic tessellation. Concave ceramic cups act as infill for the larger vessels, establishing cracks and perches that Italian wall lizards (Podarcis sicula) like to use for shelter and sun basking.

Created by artists Kendra Sollars and Lauren Strohacker as part of their series Animal Land, projected videos give exhibition visitors a close-up experience of each animal inhabitant.