CARLO SCARPA IN VENICE
CARLO SCARPA IN VENICE
“Carlo Scarpa in Venice” is designed for those who are interested in the relationship between Venice and Modern architecture, which became part of a millenary heritage and a hallmark in the city.
He was one of the leading Italian architects of the XXth century. Scarpa was born in Vicenza, although his education and early career took place in Venice, which deeply influenced his unique style.
He showed how contemporary design could match historical legacy, without giving up functionality.
“Carlo Scarpa in Venice” begins in St Mark Square, an absolute highlight for both regular tourists and passionate scholars.
Over the centuries, acclaimed architects dealt with “la Piazza” as a stunning source of inspiration and a meaningful setting praised in the entire known world.
In 1957 Carlo Scarpa was honored to renovate the Olivetti store located on the ground floor of the Procuratie Vecchie, a commission supposedly unrelated to the grand context.
The “Cavaliere” Adriano Olivetti was an enlightened entrepreneur known for his interest in innovative typewriters and high-tech calculators with a modern design.
Therefore he needed a specialist who could epitomize his futuristic spirit and enhance the distinctive features of the displayed products.
It took Scarpa a couple of years to make a dark rectangular showroom into a bright and spacious boutique, by adding large windows that showed the articulated interior.
He succeeded in creating a consistent visual impact, through the accuracy of refined materials, the subtle control of light, and the use of different colors.
The prestigious location of the store affected the interior decoration: next to the front door is “Nudo al sole”, a sculpture designed by the local artist Alberto Viani, standing right in the middle of a black marble base filled with water, like a sea wave or a Lagoon mermaid.
The multicolored glass mosaic floor marks the areas for different purposes, as a tribute to the nearby St.Mark Basilica.
The Olivetti store was closed in 1997, and in early 2011 was entrusted to FAI, the Italian Environmental Foundation, which completed the necessary restoration works before the re-opening.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Negozio Olivetti in St.Mark Square
- Querini Stampalia Foundation
MORE ABOUT
THIS TOUR
When Carlo Scarpa passed away in 1978 at the age of 72 y.o., he was at the peak of his career and fame.
His style was already a model for architects throughout the world, although he never completed a full-scale university education and was not identified as a professional. Yet at work, everybody called him “Professor”.
Scarpa was born in Vicenza in 1906, and after the premature death of his mother, he moved to Venice in 1919.
A few years later he graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts with the qualification of “Professor of Architecture”.
DRESS CODE AND ADVICE
- No dress code is required
COST
This tour lasts three hours and costs 295 euros up to six people.
- Museum fees per person:
- Negozio Olivetti 11 euros full rate
- Querini Stampalia 15 euros full rate
- This tour is not available on Mondays.
