Floating Synagogue Installation 'Nabatele' Debuts at Venice Biennale
The 'Nabatele', a unique floating synagogue conceived by artist Anna Kamyshan, debuts as part of the 61st International Art Exhibition in Venice. This innovative installation, a joint effort between the Montreal Jewish Museum and curators Maria Veits and Yevgeniy Fiks, showcases a massive hovering rock supporting the synagogue, offering a striking visual above the city. Set to be a highlight of Biennale Arte 2026, the installation symbolizes everlasting light and distinguishes itself from traditional 16th-century Venetian synagogues by being readily visible to the public. Its design also takes cues from René Magritte's iconic artwork, 'The Son of Man'.
Key facts
- Installation 'Nabatele' is a floating synagogue
- Designed by artist and architect Anna Kamyshan
- Premiered as a collateral event of the 61st Venice Biennale
- Curated by Maria Veits and Yevgeniy Fiks
- Organized by the Montreal Jewish Museum
- Features a huge rock suspended in the air
- Visible day and night over the Arsenale
- References 16th-century Venetian synagogues and Magritte's 'The Son of Man'
Entities
Artists
- Anna Kamyshan
- Maria Veits
- Yevgeniy Fiks
- René Magritte
Institutions
- Montreal Jewish Museum
- La Biennale di Venezia
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Arsenale