Simone Venturini elected Venice mayor: cultural plan focuses on production, not just tourism
On May 25, 2026, Simone Venturini, 38, secured the position of mayor of Venice by defeating Andrea Martella, the candidate from the centre-left. Venturini, a resident of Marghera and a law graduate from the University of Padua, has made history as the youngest mayor in recent times. He is a protégé of the former mayor, Luigi Brugnaro. His cultural initiative, titled 'Venice laboratory, not just showcase,' seeks to transform the city into a cultural center rather than merely a tourist spot. Notable proposals include appointing a culture assessor, introducing a Metropolitan Culture Ticket, enhancing Porto Marghera for cultural production, establishing 'Venice Cinema Studios' on Lido and Giudecca, creating a new exhibition space in Mestre, developing an 'Atlas of the Venetian Cultural Ecosystem,' and converting vacant buildings for young artists.
Key facts
- Simone Venturini, 38, elected mayor of Venice on May 25, 2026.
- He won outright in the first round against Andrea Martella (centre-left).
- Venturini is the youngest mayor in recent Venetian history.
- He is seen as the protégé of outgoing mayor Luigi Brugnaro.
- Cultural programme slogan: 'Venice laboratory, not just showcase'.
- Plans a dedicated culture assessor to coordinate institutions.
- Proposes a Metropolitan Culture Ticket to unify access and distribute flows.
- Porto Marghera to become a centre for advanced cultural production.
- Venice Cinema Studios planned on Lido and Giudecca with Veneto Film Commission.
- Mestre to host a new exhibition space inspired by the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- An 'Atlas of the Venetian Cultural Ecosystem' to map associations and spaces.
- Empty buildings to be repurposed into studios for young artists and designers.
Entities
Institutions
- La Biennale di Venezia
- M9
- Teatro La Fenice
- Teatro Stabile del Veneto
- Veneto Film Commission
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- University of Padua
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Marghera
- Porto Marghera
- Mestre
- Lido
- Giudecca
- Padua