ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Fortuny opens new showroom on Giudecca island in Venice

architecture-design · 2026-04-27

Fortuny, the renowned textile producer from Venice, has unveiled a new showroom on Giudecca island, crafted by architect and artistic director Alberto Torsello. Situated within the company’s historic red-brick factory, which has been operational for a century, the showroom embodies themes associated with Mariano Fortuny: light, reflections, colors, travel, influences, and theater. Fabrics are showcased like curtains from a patented roller system, reminiscent of Fortuny's theatrical contributions. The space features original wooden columns, a magnesite floor, and trunks from Fortuny's journeys. Since inheriting the company in 1998, owners Mickey and Maury Riad have maintained the production of 100% cotton fabrics using Fortuny's original methods. Mickey Riad seeks to foster connections with Venice and the Museo Fortuny, which is set to reopen.

Key facts

  • Fortuny opened a new showroom on Giudecca island in Venice
  • Architect Alberto Torsello designed the showroom and is the brand's artistic director
  • Torsello previously restored Palazzo Ducale, Fondaco dei Tedeschi, and Scuola Grande della Misericordia
  • The showroom project was completed in two weeks
  • The space uses a patented roller-and-chain system to display fabrics like theatrical curtains
  • Fortuny continues to produce 100% cotton fabrics using original techniques and formulas
  • Owners Mickey and Maury Riad inherited the company in 1998 from their father
  • The company was previously owned by Elsie McNeill Lee, Fortuny's U.S. representative

Entities

Artists

  • Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo
  • Mariano Fortuny y Marsal
  • Cecilia de Madrazo
  • Henriette Fortuny
  • Alberto Torsello
  • Elsie McNeill Lee
  • Mickey Riad
  • Maury Riad
  • Arianna Testino

Institutions

  • Fortuny
  • Museo Fortuny
  • Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei
  • Palazzo Ducale
  • Fondaco dei Tedeschi
  • Scuola Grande della Misericordia
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Giudecca
  • Granada
  • Spain
  • United States

Sources