ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Three New Cultural Spaces Open in Venice: Serica, Aquaria, and Sonnenberg

exhibition · 2026-07-15

Venice has welcomed three new cultural venues, enriching its independent art landscape. Located in Castello, Serica was established by Moonny Man and Mint Fei, emphasizing East-West artistic dialogue. Its first exhibition in May coincided with the 61st Venice Biennale, featuring works by Chinese artist Zhu Xijian and Italian Thomas Braida, followed by a showcase of Korean painter Zong Son Zang in June. In Santa Croce, Aquaria debuted with solo exhibitions from Vittorio Marella and the collective Difonico La Momon, with project manager Gilda Cori envisioning it as a cultural center. Meanwhile, Sonnenberg, founded by Antonio Grulli and Federico Pepe in Cannaregio, launched on July 16 with a group exhibition and a solo display by Fabio De Meo, operating discreetly.

Key facts

  • Serica is co-founded by Moonny Man (ex-Sotheby's and Artsy) and Mint Fei (ex-Peggy Guggenheim Collection).
  • Serica's first exhibition in May 2026 featured Zhu Xijian and Thomas Braida.
  • Serica hosted a solo show of Zong Son Zang in June 2026.
  • Aquaria opened with solo shows of Vittorio Marella and Difonico La Momon.
  • Difonico La Momon's work features serigraphic prints on fresco of Venetians and Konyak community.
  • Aquaria aims to be a cultural hub, as per Gilda Cori.
  • Sonnenberg is founded by Antonio Grulli and Federico Pepe.
  • Sonnenberg has no photography, no social media, and communicates only by word-of-mouth.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Sotheby's
  • Artsy
  • Collezione Peggy Guggenheim
  • Padiglione Venezia
  • Biennale Arte 2024
  • 61esima Biennale d'Arte
  • Serica
  • Aquaria
  • Sonnenberg
  • Joystick
  • Lucerna

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Castello
  • Arsenale
  • Santa Croce
  • Campo San Giacomo dall'Orio
  • Cannaregio
  • Fondamenta dei Ormesini
  • Hong Kong
  • China
  • Korea
  • Nagaland
  • India
  • Lucerna
  • Switzerland

Sources