Vatican Returns to Venice Architecture Biennale with Siza and Studio Albori
For the first time since 2016, the Holy See is participating in the Venice Architecture Biennale, aligning with Pope Francis's tenth anniversary. The pavilion, titled "Amicizia Sociale: incontrarsi nel giardino," is overseen by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça and curator Roberto Cremascoli. It will be open from May 20 to November 26, 2023, at the Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore. Architect Álvaro Siza and Studio Albori contributed to the project by restoring the monastic garden and constructing structures from reclaimed wood. Responding to curator Lesley Lokko's theme "The Laboratory of the Future," the pavilion highlights tangible actions. Cremascoli emphasizes that the absence of a permanent location enhances engagement with the city. A video by Mattia Borgioli captures the installation process.
Key facts
- Holy See returns to Venice Architecture Biennale for first time since 2016
- Pavilion titled 'Amicizia Sociale: incontrarsi nel giardino' runs May 20 to November 26, 2023
- Exhibition at Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore on San Giorgio Maggiore island
- Curated by Roberto Cremascoli, commissar Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça
- Inspired by Pope Francis encyclicals Laudato si' (2015) and Fratelli tutti (2020)
- Features Álvaro Siza (Pritzker 1992) and Studio Albori (Emanuele Almagioni, Giacomo Borella, Francesca Riva)
- Siza's installation 'O Encontro' uses solid wood figures
- Studio Albori restored monastic garden with vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers
- Reclaimed wood from Cortina d'Ampezzo used for structures
- Responds to curator Lesley Lokko's theme 'The Laboratory of the Future'
Entities
Artists
- Álvaro Siza
- Emanuele Almagioni
- Giacomo Borella
- Francesca Riva
- Michela Valerio
- Agostino Vallonzer
- Riccardo Bermani
- Roberto Cremascoli
- Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça
- Mirko Zardini
- Mattia Borgioli
- Marco Cremascoli
- Lesley Lokko
- Nuno Grande
- Pope Francis
- Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi
- Vittorio Cini
- Nicola Davide Angerame
Institutions
- Holy See
- Dicastery for Culture and Education
- Biennale di Venezia
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore
- Benedicti Claustra Onlus
- Studio Albori
- Associazione culturale About
- PresS/Tfactory_AIAC
- Associazione Italiana di Architettura e Critica
- Interno14
- Artribune
- Vatican
- Santa Sede
- Dicastero vaticano per la Cultura e l'Educazione
- Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore
- Cappella Sistina
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore
- Giudecca
- Campo di Marte
- Cortina d'Ampezzo
- Portugal
- Milan
- Vatican City
- Cortina
- Piazza San Marco