Michele De Lucchi Designs New Galleries for Querini Stampalia

Michele De Lucchi has designed seven new exhibition spaces on the third floor of Palazzo Querini Stampalia in Venice to house the art collection of Intesa Sanpaolo, formerly owned by Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia. The 20-year agreement (renewable) between the foundation and the bank aims to keep the collection in Venice. The collection includes two Canaletto paintings, sketches by Domenico Tintoretto and Giambattista Tiepolo, works by Caffi and Ciardi, furniture, and decorative arts from the 16th to 20th centuries. It also comprises the "Biblioteca Veneziana" with 454 manuscripts, over 3,000 books, 4,000 woodcuts and engravings, and a numismatic collection of 149 oselle, 233 coins, 3 medals, and 17 banknotes. Previously stored in Cassa di Risparmio offices in Campo Manin, the collection will be displayed in rooms designed by De Lucchi, who restored original beams and Venetian flooring, and used color schemes inspired by the artworks. A new room on the first floor, with modern conservation technology, will house the library and numismatic collection. The exhibition, curated by art historian Giovanna Nepi Scirè, opens November 20, with free admission for Venetians on November 21, the feast of the Salute (celebrated since 1630). Previous architects at Querini Stampalia include Carlo Scarpa, Valeriano Pastor, and Mario Botta.