François PinaultPalazzo Grassi and Punta Della Dogana, the two cultural hubs in Venice that anchor its year-round offerings of contemporary art, are anchored by’s empire. This year, Tatiana Trouvé The largest ever exhibition of the prized collection is at Palazzo GrassiWhen Punta della Dogana hosts Thomas Schütte’s first major Italian retrospective.
The coolest art space in Venice is Ocean SpaceThis museum, located in the restored Church of San Lorenzo from the 9th century, is allegedly Marco Polo’s burial place. This “embassy for the oceans” addresses climate change through art, with a light installation on the facade marking the projected 2100 sea level—a stark reminder of Venice’s vulnerability. The Fondazione Prada AMO/OMA is a project by Rem Koolhaas that uses the visualisation of data to enhance exploration. Visit the island San Giorgio Maggiore to see Le Stanze del VetroA free exhibition of historical Murano Glass pieces launched the first Biennale Exhibitions. Le Stanze della Fotografia The Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore’s vibrant commission by Luc Tuymans.
Do not miss out on the Ca’ Rezzonico, A museum often overlooked by visitors, this tranquil garden offers an escape from the bustle and noise of the city, while still being surrounded with authentic Venetian greenery. The Palace houses the Museum of 18th-century Venice, which includes period furniture, paintings and sculptures. It was originally built for the Bon Family, an old noble family in Venice who commissioned the masterpiece of Venetian Baroque Architecture. Ask locals for suggestions when you pass them. Pietro Rusconi is the executive advisor to the Fondazione delle Arti – VeneziaNicolette Fiorucci and Silvia Fiorucci have each started their own project. Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation You can also find out more about the following: La Società delle ApiAnd of course Palazzo Diedo, set up by Berggruen Arts & Culture (a foundation from the notable philanthropist, Nicolas Berggruen)—and Giacomo Gandola, gallery assistant for Galleria Lorcan O’Neill Venezia, recommends popping by Tommaso Calabro, Michele Barbati. Marignana Arte.
Venice Design Week, The event, which will run from October 11-19, 20,25, will transform the city into an exhibition space where designers and companies from around the world can showcase their work in historic palazzos as well as contemporary spaces. This intimate setting is a counterpoint to the large-scale Biennale.
When you know where to shop, Venice offers much more than tourist souvenirs. Workshops scattered around the city continue to develop Venice’s artisan traditions. Alberto Cavalier is the last master frame maker/gilder in Cavalier’s studio near Chiesa San Vidal. He crafts custom pieces with techniques unchanged for centuries. In Barberia The owner will handcraft each piece of eyewear in front of you. Prices start at 1200 euros. Luigi Bevilacqua srl Weaving The company is the last remaining producer of velvet in Venice. Hand-operated machines from the 19th century still produce unique textiles using 18th century looms. Attilio Codognato, established in 1866, has been a destination for jewelry lovers from Coco Chanel, Jackie Kennedy, Andy Warhol, and Elizabeth Taylor—keeping OG status as one of Venice’s most prestigious jewelers. Quorami is a great place to find friulane shoes (these attracted the attention of Iris Apfel). Teod’amar, Norma Marzà’s atelier, in which she uses fabrics and decorations from the Serenissima to create slippers and gorgeous accessories.
Legatoria Polliero is a traditional bookbinding and handcrafted paper company located in Campo dei Frari. KartarugaIt is one of the oldest mask workshops in Venice, located in Campo San Marina. RubelliThe showroom of’s is the place to go if you are looking for fabrics that respect tradition. Danghyra Designing pieces for Italy’s most prestigious hotels, and dipping into 17th-century history. Spezeria all’Ercole d’OroThe famous 17th century pharmacy is preserved and offers potions, perfumes and other olfactory pleasures. The famous Libreria Acqua Alta stores books in gondolas and bathtubs as protection against flooding—a response to Venice’s ongoing negotiation with water. These ateliers represent Venice’s living culture—spaces where traditional techniques meet contemporary vision, far from the manufactured souvenirs that flood tourist areas. Venice has its own soccer club, but you’ll have to take a boat across the Biennale Park to Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, on Sant’Elena Island, to see a match.
