2026 BIENNIAL

The Long View

Biennial Pass

fotofocus bigtent 2026 14 scaled
Photo by Angie Lipscomb

About the Pass

The Biennial Pass offers free access to 70+ photography and lens-based exhibitions during the month of October with invitations to exclusive events, including entry into the Opening Program (September 30–October 3). The Opening Program establishes the core theme of the Biennial and features receptions, guided tours, talks, panel discussions, and a keynote lecture. Many venues and their events are free and open to the public; however, for those with admission fees, the Pass offers waived entry to Biennial exhibitions during the month of October.

As part of the Biennial Pass Program, FotoFocus also arranges free, round-trip bus tours from Cincinnati throughout the region to highlight select venues with artists and curators on site for talks, tours, and special events. Access is central to FotoFocus: the Biennial Pass is free thanks to generous donors, allowing thousands of attendees to be part of a community-wide celebration of photography.

FotoFocus is pleased to announce that the Biennial Pass Program is free, made possible by the generous support of William & Kate Baumann and Robert & Rachel Eckman.  

2026 Biennial Pass Sign Up for website qr code

GET THE FREE BIENNIAL PASS

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Exclusive Events for Biennial Pass Holders

August 27, Thursday
Somerset Bar
5:30–8pm, Biennial Kickoff Party

October 2, Friday
Contemporary Arts Center
7–8pm, Curator Talk
8–10pm, Opening Receptions

September 30, Wednesday
The Carnegie
5–8pm, Opening Reception

October 3, Saturday
Memorial Hall
12–6pm, Artist Talks and Keynote

October 1, Thursday
Cincinnati Art Museum
5–6pm, Reception
6–7pm, Curator Lecture
7–8pm, Book Signing

October 3, Saturday
FotoFocus Center
6–8pm, Opening Reception

October 2, Friday
Contemporary Arts Center
5–6pm, Gallery Tour with Curator

October 17, Saturday
9am–7pm, Spotlight Bus Tour: Dayton

October 2, Friday
Alice F. and Harris K. Weston Art Gallery
6–8pm, Opening Reception

October 24, Saturday
9am–7pm, Spotlight Bus Tour: Columbus

October 31, Saturday
8:30am–4:15pm, Spotlight Bus Tour: Greater Cincinnati


FAQ

The Biennial Pass is the free all-access ticket to the Biennial: 

  • Entry to Opening Program Events (September 30-October 3)
  • Invitations to the free Spotlight Bus Tours–Full days of coordinated exhibition visits with curators, directors, and artists in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus.
  • Waived admission during the month of October to Biennial exhibitions at Venues that typically charge an entry fee.
  • Behringer-Crawford Museum
  • Contemporary Arts Center
  • Cincinnati Museum Center
  • Columbus Museum of Art
  • Dayton Art Institute
  • National Underground Railroad and Freedom Center
  • Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
  • Taft Museum of Art
  • Wexner (limited to one screening during the Unorthodocs film program)
  • Woodward Theater

 

After submitting, it may take up to five minutes for your confirmation to appear in your inbox. Search for the subject line: “Biennial Pass Activated: Access Now.”

Once you receive the confirmation email, click the button that says “Add to Wallet” or screenshot your unique QR code. Codes will be checked at Opening Program events and at regularly ticketed venues for free entry to exhibitions during the month of October.

Once you have the pass downloaded to your mobile wallet or saved in your photos, you can explore our venue map and exhibitions page to plan your Biennial adventure. Your Pass will only be scanned upon entry during the Opening Program events. For access to Biennial exhibitions throughout October, simply show your Pass to staff when you visit the venue.

Remember, your Pass is valid September 30th–October 31st.


2026 Biennial Pass

The Biennial Pass provides access to more than 70 exhibitions ($137 value), entry to the Opening Program, invitations to the Spotlight Bus Tours, and free entry to regularly ticketed exhibitions at the following venues:

  • Behringer-Crawford Museum
  • Contemporary Art Center
  • Cincinnati Museum Center
  • Columbus Museum of Art
  • Dayton Art Institute
  • National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
  • Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
  • Taft Museum of Art
  • Wexner Center for the Arts
  • Woodward Theater

Supported by:

The FREE Pass Program is made possible due to the generous support of:

WILLIAM AND KATE BAUMANN

ROBERT AND RACHEL ECKMAN

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