watch master artisans in action as the homo faber event in venice takes off

the homo faber event reveals the art of handcrafting

anyone who has been in venice has certainly visited st mark’s square, the doge’s palace and rialto bridge. but how many get to visit the 18th century looms of one of the city’s oldest weaving workshops or watch one of the only remaining gold leaf beaters at work? what about an italian gondola carpenter meticulously crafting one of the iconic boats? organized by the michelangelo foundation, the homo faber event invites guests physically and digitally on a self-guided, fully immersive tour into the lagoons of venice’s hidden artisanal addresses. along with the fondazione giorgio cini exhibition focusing on japanese culture, workshops, age-old crafts and galleries open their doors to the public as homo faber in città unfolds the capital’s creative delights. 

(above) fondazione giorgio cini -simone padovani | ©michelangelo foundation

(banner video) discover venice through homo faber | ©michelangelo foundation

all images courtesy of homo faber

book your tickets for Homo Faber – HERE

put together by the michelangelo foundation for creativity and craftsmanship, the homo faber event is an international exhibition that showcases an impressive variety of materials, techniques and skills through live demonstrations, engaging digital experiences and imaginative displays of handmade works. imagined by a team of world-renowned curators and designers, the 15 spaces of the fondazione giorgio cini scenographically transform to host the works of the artists. from functional everyday objects to decorative pieces, the 2022 edition highlights the craft’s role in mastering a more sustainable and inclusive future. the event offers a rare chance to admire the prestigious work of a selection of japan’s national living treasures as well as experience traditional techniques and its connections to the arts and to the design world. 

artisan adele stefanelli painting her ceramics | ©luca loro di motta

homo faber in città dives into the venetian workshops

venice is built on craftsmanship; whether in its striking architecture and finely restored hotels, in the staging of its opera productions or the cuisine of its top restaurants, the artisanal touch is apparent everywhere. away from the tourist crowds though, the true charm lies in the workshops and small businesses tucked away in the backstreets. in addition to the main exhibition on the san giorgio maggiore island located in the heart of the venetian lagoon, homo faber in città grants a fascinating, city-wide tour.

the project gives people the opportunity to see the works of more than 60 artisans, manufacturers, workshops, galleries and museums. the eye-opening tour can be enjoyed either by following the specially curated thematic itineraries via the dedicated website and app or through personalized bespoke paths. through navigating, the visitors can experience daily life in a workshop, watch the makers demonstrate their skills, have a go at age-old crafts, take in an exhibition and buy custom-made gifts made in front of their eyes.

la fenice opera house -simone padovani | ©michelangelo foundation

the tour continues with pastry chefs, tailors & glassmakers

visitors get to see the backstage workshops of famous opera house ‘la fenice’, where the sets are brought to life by a team of skilled master artisans ranging from decorative painters to woodworkers. moreover, the hand-operated 18th century wooden looms at the traditional family-run textile manufacturer ‘tessitura luigi bevilacqua’ is not to be missed as one can browse through the soprarizzo velvets, damasks, brocades, silks and satins. being the last furnace operating with fire in venice, ‘orsoni’ reveals the art of hand cutting the mosaics. from the infinite gem shades showcased in the color library to a glassmaker’s traditional murano techniques, the life and history of the city continues to unravel. 

peak into the family bakery ‘pasticceria dal nono colussi’ where the venetian baicoli macaroons and fugassa fruit bread are in the making. from there, a two-hour jewelry experience awaits for handcrafting personalized pieces using the lost wax casting technique. the art of made-to-measure shoemaking opens its windows as well, exposing the glaçage leather polishing technique, while a master tailor awaits for orders in his workshop promising custom-made suits using trigonometry and mathematical calculations. suited-up now, the path leads to the gondola makers that bring the iconic boats to life. across the waters towards burano, the island with the colorful fisherman houses known for its lacemaking tradition. 

gabriele gmeiner in his shoemaking workshop -simone padovani | ©michelangelo foundation

ceramics artisan king houndekpinkou smiling behind the wheel -elodie daguin | ©michelangelo foundation

hat maker francesco balestrazzi putting together his feathery creation -pietro lucerni | ©michelangelo foundation

artisans producing hand-cut mosaics using the last furnace operating with fire in venice, orsoni -simone padovani | ©michelangelo foundation

mask maker from atelier ca’macana at work | ©mirco toffolo

ceramist artisan gabi neves in the workshop -studioneves | ©manuel manso

japanese artist komao hayashi sculpting his traditional figures | rinko kawauchi ©michelangelo foundation

origami artisan juho könkkölä putting together his ‘tuonelan herra’ sculpture | ©juho könkkölä

artisan working on the costumes for la fenice opera house -simone padovani | ©michelangelo foundation

the homo faber 2022 curators -laila pozzo | ©michelangelo foundation

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fondazione giorgio cini | © fondazione giorgio cini

fondazione giorgio cini -simone padovani | ©michelangelo foundation

giardini reali venice -simone pavoni | ©michelangelo foundation

chiostro dei cipressi-matteo de fina | © courtesy of fondazione giorgio cini

la fenice opera house -simone padovani | ©michelangelo foundation

argentario classic week 2017 -panerai | ©officine panerai

the widow of light: don’t let this gold fool you, I’m made of darker colors II -king houndekpinkou artisan | ©king houndekpinkou

bamboo flower basket: spring tide -noboru fujinuma master | ©gerald le van-chau

samurai warrior -juho könkkölä artisan | ©juho könkkölä

exhibition & tour info:

name: homo faber event | homo faber in città

organization: michelangelo foundation for creativity and craftsmanship

exhibition location: fondazione giorgio cini, san giorgio maggiore island – venice, italy

date: april 10 – may 01, 2022