In the heart of Venice, next to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, stands Casa Sanlorenzo, a project of Sanlorenzo Arts that combines history, contemporary architecture and cultural innovation. This space represents a bridge between the past and the future, a fusion of art, culture, design and sustainability that embodies the vision of Sanlorenzo—a worldwide leader in luxury yachting from 24 to 74 metres—for an open and dynamic dialogue with the world of art and design.
An evolving space
Casa Sanlorenzo opens its doors on 3 June, on the occasion of the first edition of Venice Climate Week, within the framework of the Venice Architecture Biennale. This event marks not only the official inauguration but also a turning point in the project’s growth, positioning Casa Sanlorenzo as a cultural lab in constant metamorphosis. The cultural initiatives promoted by Sanlorenzo Arts are a vehicle for ideas and innovation, going beyond mere aesthetic contemplation and becoming a tool to reflect on contemporary society and its challenges.
Casa Sanlorenzo is not a traditional museum, but a dynamic, open and inclusive cultural platform that challenges physical and temporal boundaries to promote diversity, sustainability, and active participation of the artistic community and the public. Its mission is to be a centre for research and experimentation, where artists can explore new forms of expression and where the dialogue between art and society becomes a catalyst for change.
The living room at Casa Sanlorenzo in Venice Photo: Federico Cedrone
The architectural project of Piero Lissoni
Casa Sanlorenzo was conceived with an innovative and sophisticated approach by Piero Lissoni’s architectural firm, who aimed to create a fluid and open environment where the exhibition space merges with the Venetian context, establishing a harmonious dialogue between the past and the future.
“Casa Sanlorenzo is not just an exhibition space, but an architecture in constant transformation, a venue for committed and resilient art and creativity, capable of opening up and displaying different worlds,” says Piero Lissoni, Art Director of Sanlorenzo. “Through our work we have aimed to convey the vision of Sanlorenzo”.
Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman Sanlorenzo, adds: “Our aim with Casa Sanlorenzo is to create a physical hub for initiatives related to the world of Sanlorenzo Arts, where innovation and creativity can flourish without limits. Venice represents the perfect place for this project: a timeless crossroads of culture and inspiration.”
The restoration
The restoration of the building that hosts Casa Sanlorenzo was designed to preserve its historical character, respecting its facades and maintaining certain original elements, such as parts of the flooring. Where restoration was not possible, the spaces were reinterpreted with a contemporary architectural language that enhances the exhibition purpose and makes the environment flexible and welcoming.
The new bridge, representing continuity and the union of tradition and innovation Photo: Federico Cedrone
One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the adaptive lighting system, which allows the light to be adjusted according to the needs of the exhibitions, enhancing the visitor experience. The monumental glass staircase, inspired by the pre-existing geometries, brings lightness and transparency to the spaces, creating a dialogue between original and newly introduced materials. Concrete floors complement the historic Palladian and Portoro marble floors, while the white walls enhance the artwork on display.
The bridge: a union between tradition and modernity
A key element of the restoration is the bridge, which connects Casa Sanlorenzo to its surroundings.
The new bridge is a contemporary reinterpretation of the existing one, featuring a more slender and sophisticated structure that preserves its connection to Venetian history. Made entirely of prefabricated metal, laid already assembled, it features a walking surface made of Istrian stone, a material typical of the lagoon city.
Sanlorenzo Arts: new routes for the contemporary
Sanlorenzo’s commitment to the art world is the natural continuation of a corporate philosophy rooted in excellence, creativity and research. As Massimo Perotti explains, the passion for yachting and the desire to innovate have guided Sanlorenzo’s journey toward new frontiers, up to the birth of Sanlorenzo Arts and Casa Sanlorenzo: “Our location in Venice is a symbolic destination, a new beginning where the enterprise becomes a living element for change in art, education, and sustainability.”
The glass staircase at the entrance Photo: Federico Cedrone
Sanlorenzo’s cultural commitment is reflected in its contemporary art collection, an ever-evolving assemblage that covers a wide time span, from 1965 to the present. The collection represents a living testimony to the cultural and artistic transformations of recent decades, serving as a bridge between different generations of artists and the aesthetic movements of today.
The collection is not merely a compilation of artwork, but an open dialogue with the contemporary, a dynamic process that is nourished by the interaction between young talents and established masters. Each added piece enriches the narrative and broadens the perspectives of Casa Sanlorenzo, making it a place where art, culture, and innovation intertwine to explore new horizons.
Casa Sanlorenzo represents a new vision of contemporary art, combining entrepreneurship, creativity, and research in a single space for connection and growth. With its opening in Venice, this project marks the beginning of an ambitious journey, where art becomes the driving force for a collective reflection on the present and the future. A new route for the contemporary, guided by Sanlorenzo’s passion and vision.
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