The inaugural edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale ran from 12th December 2012 - 13th March 2013 and was curated by Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu. The first edition had a total of 89 artists from 23 countries who exhibited and performed in over 60 spaces across 14 sites for 96 uninterrupted days making Kochi-Muziris Biennale the largest exhibition of contemporary art to ever take place in history of independent India. 
The Gujral Foundation as the founding patron along with patron Mr Rajiv Singh of DLF, have facilitated the lease of ‘Aspinwall’ and ‘Cabral Yard’ as prime locations of Kochi-Muziris Biennale since its inception in 2012. Aspinwall House is a large sea-facing heritage property in Fort Kochi and houses the main exhibitions of the biennale.