About

In 2024, Galerie Negropontes establishes itself in Venice, undertaking a year-long restoration of the Palazzina Masieri - closed since 1996. The project is executed in collaboration with IUAV and architects Roberta Bartolone and Giulio Mangano. This significant renovation heralds the building’s revival as a vibrant center for art and knowledge.

© Università IUAV DI Venezia
Photos: Gabriele Bortoluzzi

In this space, Galerie Negropontes fosters an ongoing and intimate dialogue between the works of its artists and the distinctive architecture of Carlo Scarpa. Each exhibition is shaped around a theme connected to the site’s architecture, the focus of the Biennale di Venezia, or the unique character of Venice, all while remaining firmly aligned with the gallery’s curatorial vision.

© Università IUAV DI Venezia
Photos: Gabriele Bortoluzzi

Situated on the Grand Canal in Venice, the building stands as an architectural gem whose rich, multifaceted history is defined by bold visions and significant transformations. The first of these was a renovation proposal by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Originally conceived as a residence for Angelo Masieri, the project was reimagined by his family as a memorial after his sudden death. Ultimately, in 1955, the city authorities rejected Wright’s design, deeming it unsuitable for Venice’s historic urban fabric.

© John Volpato

In 1962, the Masieri Foundation initiated a new project with Valeriano Pastor; however, it wasn’t until 1968 that Carlo Scarpa was entrusted with redesigning the Palazzina’s interior while preserving its exterior appearance. The last of Scarpa’s three proposals was approved in 1972, and the building was finally completed in 1983. Until 1996, the Masieri Foundation was a central force in architectural culture, hosting exhibitions and publishing content.
Since March 2024, Galerie Negropontes has revitalised the Palazzina, establishing its international cultural prominence.

© Università IUAV DI Venezia
Photos: Gabriele Bortoluzzi