Venice: a sound experience inspired by Hildegard of Bingen

Context

In brief

• Sound experience inspired by Hildegard of Bingen in Venice
• 21 artists involved, including Brian Eno and Jim Jarmusch
• Until November 22, 280 visitors per day

Key facts

• What: Sound experience "The ear is the eye of the soul"
• When: From May 10 to November 22, 2026
• Where: Mystic Garden of the Discalced Carmelites and Complex of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, Venice
• Who: Curators Hans Ulrich Obrist and Ben Vickers
• Amount: 21 artists involved

In Venice, the Pavilion of the Holy See at the 61st Venice Biennale presents "The ear is the eye of the soul," a sound prayer inspired by Saint Hildegard of Bingen. This project, curated by Swiss Hans Ulrich Obrist and Ben Vickers, offers a unique experience that combines art, spirituality, and music. The pavilion is located in two places: the Mystic Garden of the Discalced Carmelites in Cannaregio and the Complex of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Castello.

The sound experience

At the entrance of the Mystic Garden, visitors can equip themselves with headphones to live a moment of reflection by listening to the "sound prayer." Until November 22, a maximum of 280 people per day will be able to experience this. The "sound prayer" is the result of the work of 21 artists, including well-known names such as musician Brian Eno and director Jim Jarmusch. The fluidity with which the different pieces overlap creates a single piece that evolves from instrumental to moments of silence, passing through the spoken word.

The context of the Biennale

The sound experience echoes the theme of this year's Biennale Arte, "In Minor Keys," curated by the Swiss-Cameroonian Koyo Kouoh. The theme invites us to slow down and tune into the frequencies of minor keys, offering a contrast to the anxiety-inducing cacophony of the modern world. Hildegard of Bingen, considered a prominent figure in the mystical imagination, believed that the unity between heaven and earth through the voice and song was fundamental.

The path in the garden

The path in the garden winds through two parallel alleys that culminate in a chapel where Patti Smith's contribution is located. The chapel welcomes visitors in a sort of Paradise with the unmistakable voice of the punk poet. The second location of the pavilion, the Complex of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, transforms into a "contemporary scriptorium," a living archive with works by three artists, including German director Alexander Kluge.

The impact on cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy, this experience offers a unique opportunity for reflection and spiritual connection. Art and music can be a bridge between cultures and life experiences, offering a moment of pause from the daily routine. The "sound prayer" can be a way to rediscover spirituality and connection with oneself and the surrounding world.

How to participate

To participate in the sound experience, visitors can go to the Mystic Garden of the Discalced Carmelites in Cannaregio or to the Complex of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Castello. It is advisable to book in advance to guarantee access, given the limited number of daily visitors. The experience is open until November 22, 2026.

Conclusion

The sound experience inspired by Hildegard of Bingen in Venice offers a unique opportunity for reflection and spiritual connection. For cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy, this experience can be a way to rediscover spirituality and connection with oneself and the surrounding world. Don't miss the chance to live this unique experience before November 22, 2026.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The sound experience in Venice offers a unique opportunity for cross-border workers to reflect and connect with themselves and the surrounding world. The combination of art, spirituality, and music can be a way to find balance in daily life, which is often hectic and stressful. For cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy, this experience can be a way to rediscover spirituality and connection with oneself and the surrounding world.

Comparison with Other Cultural Experiences

Compared to other cultural experiences, the 'sound prayer' offers a unique approach that combines art, spirituality, and music. While many cultural experiences focus on a single aspect, such as music or visual art, this experience integrates various elements to create a holistic experience. This approach can be particularly appreciated by cross-border workers seeking a way to connect with themselves and the surrounding world.

Concrete Scenarios

Imagine being a cross-border worker who works in Lugano and resides in Varese. Your day is often hectic, balancing work, traffic, and family responsibilities. Participating in the sound experience in Venice can be a way to find a moment of peace and reflection. You can travel to Venice over a long weekend, book your visit to the Mystic Garden, and immerse yourself in the 'sound prayer.' This can be a way to recharge and return to work with a clearer mind and a lighter heart.

Before and After Comparisons

Before participating in the sound experience, you might feel stressed and overwhelmed by the daily routine. After the experience, you might feel a greater connection with yourself and the surrounding world. You might find a new sense of peace and tranquility that helps you manage stress and the challenges of daily life better. This can be particularly useful for cross-border workers who often have to balance work and personal life demands.

Concrete Procedures

To participate in the sound experience, follow these steps: 1. Book your visit to the Mystic Garden of the Discalced Carmelites or the Santa Maria Ausiliatrice Complex. 2. Travel to Venice on the scheduled date and time. 3. Pick up the headphones at the entrance and follow the path in the garden. 4. Immerse yourself in the 'sound prayer' and let the experience guide you. 5. After the experience, take a moment to reflect on what you have experienced and how it can influence your daily life.

Useful Tools

To plan your visit, you can use the travel calculator to estimate the costs and time needed to reach Venice. You can also consult the border map to plan your route and ensure you have all the necessary documents for the trip.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What to do now

If you are a cross-border worker in Switzerland and reside in Italy, consider participating in the sound experience in Venice. This can be a way to find a moment of peace and reflection in your daily life. Book your visit to the Mystic Garden or the Santa Maria Ausiliatrice Complex and prepare to live a unique experience.

Deadlines and procedures

The sound experience is open until November 22, 2026. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure access, given the limited number of daily visitors. Make sure you have all the necessary documents for the trip and plan your route using the border map.

Tools and resources

To plan your visit, you can use the travel calculator to estimate the costs and time needed to reach Venice. You can also consult the border map to plan your route and ensure you have all the necessary documents for the trip. If you need further information, you can visit the official website of the Venice Biennale Arte.

Conclusion

The sound experience inspired by Hildegard of Bingen in Venice offers a unique opportunity for reflection and spiritual connection. For cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy, this experience can be a way to rediscover spirituality and connection with oneself and the surrounding world. Do not miss the opportunity to live this unique experience before November 22, 2026. Use the travel calculator and the border map to plan your visit and ensure you have everything necessary for a safe and pleasant trip.

Source: tvsvizzera.it