Fondazione Dries Van Noten to Open in Venice in April 2026

Just over a year since the celebrated designer stepped away from his eponymous brand, Dries Van Noten announces an exciting new venture with the Fondazione Dries Van Noten, a cultural non-profit dedicated to craftsmanship in Venice. Housed in the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta, the Fondazione is an initiative conceived by Van Noten and Patrick Vangheluwe. As with his own brand, which for years seemed to cross boundaries between fashion, design and art, always with an underlying homage to craftsmanship, the Fondazione aims to dissolve traditional boundaries by presenting curated exhibitions, collaborative projects, residencies and special events that showcase established and emerging creators across art, design, fashion, architecture, food and more. The Fondazione will highlight creative expression, innovation and a craftsmanship within a contemporary context. It will bring a fresh perspective on the contemporary artistic landscape while inspiring new dialogue and exchange between the creative community and the public, including students, who will be able to benefit from mentorship and hands-on learning.

Built in the 15th century in the Venetian Gothic Fiorito style, the Palazzo passed to the Pisani Moretta family in the early 17th century, giving it its current name, and was redecorated by Chiara Pisani between 1735-1750 in the Rococo style. Located on the Grand Canal between the Rialto Bridge and Ca’Foscari, the palazzo houses important artworks and furnishings by artists including Giambattista Tiepolo, Jacopo Guarana, Gaspare Diziani, and Giuseppe Angeli. It was restored in the late 20th century and retains much of its original furnishings and details including beautifully tiled flooring, painted ceilings, carved stone and gilded decorations. The palazzo will undergo a careful renovation led by Venetian architect Alberto Torsello to safeguard its heritage and prepare it for future activities. In late 2026, a second site will open, Studio San Polo, which is being redesigned by Giulia Foscari, and will expand the Fondazione’s footprint across the city. This more minimalist space will be a contemporary place for experimentation, interaction and creative exploration.

“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,” state Dries Van Noten and Patrick Vangheluwe.

Fondazione Dries Van Noten will open in April 2026 and will begin its year-round series of exhibitions and events.

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