Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale: A Century of Intersecting Traditions

A historical exhibition at Le Stanze del Vetro on San Giorgio Maggiore explores the relationship between Murano glass and the Venice Biennale from 1912 to 1930. Curated by Marino Barovier, the show presents 135 pieces that trace how glass entered the Biennale, initially as decorative arts. The first incursion occurred in 1912 when international artists, guided by Murano masters, began exhibiting polychrome glass. The exhibition includes works by Hans Stoltenberg Lerche and Umberto Bellotto, collaborations between Giacomo Cappellin and Paolo Venini, and playful animal figures from the 1928 and 1930 Biennales. Video installations from the ASAC archive provide historical context. The show highlights a pivotal period when glass gained recognition, leading to a dedicated pavilion in the Giardini in 1932.