Sanlorenzo Arts has inaugurated Casa Sanlorenzo in Venice, marking a significant milestone for the luxury yacht manufacturer as it expands beyond maritime excellence into the realm of cultural innovation.
A Cultural Laboratory in the Heart of Venice
The opening took place on June 3rd in celebration of the first edition of Venice Climate Week and within the framework of the Venice Biennale Architettura. Casa Sanlorenzo is positioned as more than just a cultural space—it's an artistic laboratory that bridges historical heritage with contemporary innovation.
Located directly in front of the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, the venue represents Sanlorenzo's evolution from a luxury yacht producer to an active cultural participant. The project stems from the conviction that leading brands must take on meaningful cultural roles beyond creating excellent products.
Leadership Vision
Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of Sanlorenzo, outlined the ambitious vision behind the project. "Our aim with Casa Sanlorenzo is to offer a reference point for initiatives linked to the world of Sanlorenzo Arts, an entity conceived with the goal of celebrating and supporting the union between art, design and culture, where innovation and creativity can flourish without limits."
Perotti emphasized the space's deeper purpose: "Casa Sanlorenzo becomes a place where one enters to stop, reflect and share. A space of research, where art does not simply adorn, but rather interrogates. Where design does not impress, but guides. Where beauty is never for its own sake, but the bearer of ethics."
The choice of Venice as the location was deliberate. "In an increasingly virtual world, we wanted to invest in presence, in meaningful encounters, and in shared experiences. Because we believe that authenticity requires substance, time, and human connection. And Venice is the perfect place for this project."
Architectural Excellence
The restoration was entrusted to renowned architect Piero Lissoni and his studio Lissoni & Partners. The building spans approximately 1,000 square meters with an exceptional 600-square-meter garden—a true rarity in Venice.
The space houses two interconnected areas: Casa Sanlorenzo as a private apartment, and over 700 square meters dedicated to exhibitions, shows, and Sanlorenzo's contemporary art collection. This collection spans from 1965 to the present day, serving as a bridge between generations of artists and current aesthetic trends.
Restoration Meets Innovation
The building, originally a 1940s mansion, underwent careful restoration that preserved its historical essence while introducing contemporary elements. Original brick facades were enhanced, and where possible, original elements like flooring were preserved.
One of the most striking features is the innovative glass staircase. This technically advanced and transparent structure echoes pre-existing geometries while being reimagined through glass and steel, creating a dialogue between original and new materials.
The interior design alternates concrete floors with Palladian and Portoro surfaces, while white walls provide the perfect backdrop for artwork displays. An adaptive lighting system allows for customized illumination based on exhibition needs.
The Bridge: Symbol and Function
Perhaps the most symbolic element is the bridge connecting Casa Sanlorenzo to the surrounding area. Designed by Lissoni & Partners, it transcends mere functionality to embody cultural significance.
Piero Lissoni, Art Director of Sanlorenzo, explained the deeper meaning: "I believe that the opportunity to build a bridge in Venice for Sanlorenzo Arts is more unique than rare. The bridge is, in fact, an incredibly complex architectural staircase, and to me, it also embodies a range of other meanings."
He continued: "Besides connecting two different points, the bridge connects different worlds. It is no coincidence that the expressions 'creating cultural bridges' and 'making human bridges' are used. This bridge for me is not simply a vehicle to transport people, but a cultural bridge, an ideal bridge."
Technical Innovation
The bridge showcases impressive technical sophistication. Constructed entirely of prefabricated metal and pre-assembled, it features a surface of Istrian stone typical of Venice and a wooden handrail crafted like an oar to highlight the connection with water.
Its "humpback" shape recalls medieval Venetian bridges, while the metal arch expresses simple, linear aesthetics. The bridge uses advanced calendering for the metal components, with steps made of classical Venetian masegni in treated Istrian stone to prevent slipping.
Cultural Programming
Casa Sanlorenzo serves as an official venue for Venice Climate Week, hosting "Sanlorenzo Talks" from June 4-6. These conversations focus on ecological transition and sustainable innovation, featuring prominent guests from scientific, cultural, and industrial sectors.
The programming reflects the space's mission as a center for research and experimentation, where artists can explore new forms of expression and where dialogue between art and society becomes an engine for change.
Looking Forward
Casa Sanlorenzo represents a new vision of contemporary art that unites entrepreneurship, creativity, and research in a single space of connection and growth. The architecture is designed to be dynamic, open, and inclusive, promoting diversity, sustainability, and active participation from both the artistic community and the public.
With its Venice opening, this project marks the beginning of an ambitious journey where art becomes the engine of collective reflection on present and future challenges. Casa Sanlorenzo stands as both a symbol of the brand's philosophy and a new route for contemporary cultural engagement, guided by Sanlorenzo's passion and vision.