Focus on Venice

Toward the end of the 19th century, the once opulent and powerful Italian city of Venice had fallen on hard times. Venice’s Golden Age in the late Renaissance was dimmed by invasions, wars, and a loss of its economic influence. In 1895, by which time Venice had definitely lost its shine, local civic promoters founded the Venice Biennale to highlight the city’s rich cultural history. Their efforts met success, and today, the Biennale (by which it is informally referred) is among the most widely anticipated art expositions in the world.

Thomas Hart
Managing Director — Art Travel Guide

Venice Biennale June 10 – November 21, 2007 Giardini and Arsenale Venice The Venice Biennale started small and local, focusing only on Italian artists. In the decades since, it has grown into an international art extravaganza that showcases art from around the globe. It now encompasses the Giardini (where several national pavilions are located), the Arsenale (the ancient shipbuilding works), and many other venues in the city. The modern, multi-dimensional Biennale is a must-see for any art enthusiast. Cornice Art Fair June 7 – 10, 2007 Tronchetto Area Venice Cornice is Venice’s first-ever international contemporary art fair. Shrewdly taking advantage of the nearly universal attendance of the Biennale by museum curators, art critics, artists, and gallery owners, the Cornice Art Fair is ideally poised to mesh with the first days of the Biennale, as well as lead into Art Basel, which begins only a few days after Cornice folds. This new fair will surely make its mark and seems destined to become another preeminent “must-do” international art fair.

Hilton Molino Stucky
Giudecca 753
Venice
+39 041 522 1267

This hotel is housed in a former flour mill built in 1895. After sitting vacant for nearly a half century, Hilton took on a four-year commitment to preserve the historic facade and renovate the 13 buildings into a 380-room luxury hotel and residential complex. The Hilton Molino Stucky is the host hotel for the Cornice Art Fair.

Hotel Danieli Venice
Castello 4196
Venice
+39 041 522 6480

This famous hotel was originally built for the Dandolo Doge of Venice in the 14th century. Since the late 18th century, Hotel Danieli has hosted some of the most famous royals, politicians, and movie stars. There is not another hotel in Venice that more fully epitomizes Venetian luxury. The rooftop terrace is a great place to dine and enjoy the view of the Venice harbor.

The Met at the Metropole Hotel
Riva degli Schiavoni 4149
Venice
+39 041 520 5044

The Met is one of only two Michelin-starred restaurants in Venice. The cuisine is high-end Italian and offers an excellent selection of the local seafood. The wine list is one of the best in Venice.

Restaurant Do Leoni at the Hotel Londra
Riva degli Schiavoni 4171
Venice
+39 041 520 0533

This fantastic spot overlooking the harbor is one of the best places for Italian nouvelle cuisine in the country. The restaurant makes its own breads, ice cream, and chocolates, and preparations of local squid are one of its specialties.

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© 2007 Art Travel Guide, a Thomas, Townsend & Kent publication. All rights reserved.

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