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Golden Goose and PlayLab’s whimsical installation at Venice Biennale

exhibition · 2026-05-11

This year, the 'Haus' exhibition at the 61st Venice Biennale featured a collaboration between PlayLab, a multidisciplinary creative studio recognized for its partnerships with names like Virgil Abloh, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, and the Italian footwear brand Golden Goose. The installation, named 'The Forest For The Trees', took place at Golden Goose's 'Haus Marghera' in Marghera, Venice, where the brand was established by Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo in 2000. Visitors engaged in whimsical activities, such as tossing paper leaves into a water feature and painting small tree models for a larger display. CEO Silvio Campara highlighted a new definition of luxury centered on playfulness and empathy, urging, 'Stop desire, and start dreaming.' The exhibit ran for two days during the Biennale's opening weekend.

Key facts

  • PlayLab collaborated with Golden Goose for the 'Haus' exhibition during the 61st Venice Biennale.
  • The installation was titled 'The Forest For The Trees' and held at Golden Goose's 'Haus Marghera' hub in Marghera, Venice.
  • Golden Goose was founded by Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo in 2000.
  • The exhibition featured interactive activities: throwing paper leaves into a water feature and painting miniature tree models.
  • Other elements included a nature soundscape and a digital tunnel with illuminated visuals leading to a hangar with theatrical trees.
  • CEO Silvio Campara spoke about redefining luxury through playfulness and empathy.
  • The installation was open for two days during the Biennale's opening weekend.
  • PlayLab has previously collaborated with Virgil Abloh, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Vans, Adidas, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Nike, Rimowa, Fenty, and Skims.

Entities

Artists

  • Virgil Abloh
  • A$AP Rocky
  • Pharrell Williams
  • Justin Timberlake
  • Marco Brambilla
  • Silvio Campara
  • Francesca Rinaldo
  • Alessandro Gallo
  • Tianna Williams

Institutions

  • PlayLab
  • Golden Goose
  • Vans
  • Adidas
  • Louis Vuitton
  • Marc Jacobs
  • Nike
  • Rimowa
  • Fenty
  • Skims
  • Wallpaper

Locations

  • Venice
  • Marghera
  • Venice Biennale
  • Haus Marghera

Sources