Contemporary art finds a new base in Venice with the arrival of Casa Sanlorenzo
Unveiling Casa Sanlorenzo: A Venetian Art & Creativity Haven
Welcome to Venice, where the inaugural Climate Week saw the birth of a dazzling new art and creativity hub — Casa Sanlorenzo, home to Sanlorenzo Arts. This game-changing venue, conceived by luxury yachting titan Sanlorenzo, stands as a beacon of dialogue between the realms of art, culture, and sustainability. The mastermind behind its design is acclaimed architect Piero Lissoni and his firm, Lissoni & Partners, who've crafted a space that dances with the city's rich maritime heritage and artistic tradition.
Hidden in the heart of Dorsoduro sestiere, Casa Sanlorenzo is mere steps away from famous institutions like Punta della Dogana and Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Its windows overlook the magnificent Baroque beauty of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, freshly restored to radiant glory. Once an enigmatic ivy-covered villa shrouded in mystery, the spot has seen new life after lying dormant for over a decade. Its dilapidated wooden bridge, cordoned off with warning signs, added to the often whispered tales of the house's secret allure.
Today, however, the villa unfurls across two exhibition floors, a private apartment, and a 600 sq m garden that breaths fresh air into this historic corner of the city. The transformation versus expectations? Unapologetically minimalist, preserving the original brick facade and white balconies yet infusing soaring glass walls, a sleek garden lounge, sliding spotlights, and mobile panels. Lissoni himself reveals the intent: the exterior, timeless yet humble, contrasts beautifully with the interior, a contemporary space designed for artistic expression.
The male dynamos at the helm agree that Casa Sanlorenzo represents a pivotal juncture for the brand, marking Sanlorenzo's continued commitment to cultural responsibility and its aim to become a catalyst for fresh perspectives. As part of its grand opening, the venue showcased pieces from its private collection by the likes of Alighiero Boetti, Lucio Fontana, and Emil Michael Klein.
The project, says Massimo Perotti, executive chairman of Sanlorenzo, is all about creating a connector between the brand's core focus — engineering, research, and development — and the broader worlds of art, science, technology, and philosophy. Lissoni's handiwork further solidifies this vision via designs like the glass staircase, a striking centerpiece inspired by the building's original geometry and emphasized by steel and glass.
Also worth noting is the emphasis on sustainability. From tailor-made windows to water management solutions, Casa Sanlorenzo now operates at net-zero energy. Lissoni attributes this achievement to embracing Venice's spirit alongside the craftsmanship of local artisans, companies, engineers, and architects. The vision? In an increasingly digital world, Casa Sanlorenzo invites us to prioritize presence, authentic encounters, and shared experiences. Welcome to the new Venice!
Stay inspired, escape daily life, and get the latest design stories delivered to your inbox with our newsletter.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
_{Sources: [1] ArchDaily. (2025). Casa Sanlorenzo: A Cultural and Artistic Laboratory in Venice. [Online]. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/979248/casa-sanlorenzo-a-cultural-and-artistic-laboratory-in-venice [2] Dezeen. (2025). Sanlorenzo unveils Casa Sanlorenzo in Venice - a space for art, culture and sustainability initiatives. [Online]. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2025/06/15/casa-sanlorenzo-opened-venice-art-sustainability-piero-lissoni/ [3] Designboom. (2025). Casa Sanlorenzo: Piero Lissoni Unveils Art and Culture Hub in Venice. [Online]. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/casa-sanlorenzo-piero-lissoni-venice-art-culture-hub-06-25-2025/ [4] Architectural Digest. (2025). Inside Casa Sanlorenzo, Piero Lissoni’s Artful New Hub for Sustainable Living in Venice. [Online]. Available at: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/inside-casa-sanlorenzo-piero-lissoni-new-venue-venice [5] The Architect's Journal. (2025). Sanlorenzo inaugurates Casa Sanlorenzo in Venice: sustainability, art and design in harmony. [Online]. Available at: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/sanlorenzo-inaugurates-casa-sanlorenzo-in-venice-sustainability-art-and-design-in-harmony/10017151.article }
The transformation of the once dilapidated villa in Venice's Dorsoduro sestiere now offers a home-and-garden setting for the ambitious Casa Sanlorenzo, a hub integrating art, culture, and sustainability into the heart of the city. In this revived space, visitors can admire the lifestyle cultivated by the presence of contemporary art pieces within a serene home-and-garden environment, a testament to Sanlorenzo's commitment to fostering a dialogue between creativity and sustainability.
