In April 2026, the storied waters of the Grand Canal will usher in a new cultural epoch with the opening of Fondazione Dries Van Noten. Conceived by fashion visionary Dries Van Noten and his partner, Patrick Vangheluwe, this non-profit institution is set to transform the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta into a vibrant, living hub dedicated to the vital importance of craftsmanship across all creative disciplines

The Fondazione is a radical platform seeking to dissolve the traditional boundaries between art, design, fashion, architecture, food, and beyond. It is rooted in the belief that all creative expression stems from the "bodily, material, and imaginative practices" that shape our culture.

A Venetian Jewel Reborn

The choice of location is as significant as the mission itself. Palazzo Pisani Moretta, a Venetian architecture treasure perched elegantly between the Rialto Bridge and Ca’ Foscari, is a masterpiece. Built in the late 15th century in the exquisite Venetian Gothic Fiorito style, the palace was later sumptuously redecorated in the Rococò style by Chiara Pisani from 1735 to 1750. Its walls still house original furnishings and historic artworks by masters including Giambattista Tiepolo, Jacopo Guarana, Gaspare Diziani, and Giuseppe Angeli.

The Fondazione will extend this rich legacy, welcoming the public into a space where history and contemporary dialogue meet. Looking ahead, the Palazzo will undergo a careful renovation led by Venetian architect Alberto Torsello, safeguarding its heritage while preparing it for decades to come as a stage for creativity.

Nurturing the Ecosystem of Making

The program promises to be as dynamic as its location. Throughout the year, visitors can expect a curated roster of presentations, collaborative projects, residencies, special events, and hands-on learning opportunities for emerging and masterful creators. It’s an invitation to engage in a living hub of creative discovery. Adding to its footprint, a second site, Studio San Polo, will open in late 2026. Redesigned by Giulia Foscari, this complementary space will foster a "minimal aesthetic and spirit," serving as an up-to-date arena for experimentation and creative exploration across the city.

In the words of the founders, Dries Van Noten and Patrick Vangheluwe, the Fondazione is a genuine commitment to sustaining the art of making: “Venice is more than a weekend destination; it’s a city full of life, from its markets to its young residents, with a one-of-a-kind cultural stimulus. We fell in love with the Palazzo Pisani Moretta not as a monument frozen in time, but as a stage for creativity. Fashion has given us so much, and now we want to give back to support craft, whether through ceramics, jewels, food, singing, or fashion itself. Through the Fondazione, we aim to develop a pulsing venue where artists and artisans can present their work, where students can engage in hands-on exploration, and where visitors experience making as an act of culture. It’s about nurturing an ecosystem that empowers craft, giving it visibility, relevance, and vitality in the age of machines and digital revolution, while connecting the city’s past, present, and future.”

Mark your calendars. Opening in April 2026, the Fondazione Dries Van Noten promises to be Venice’s next essential destination, igniting a crucial dialogue between tradition and innovation on the global stage.