Venice Cultural Center Dedicated to Art Books Opens at Palazzo Pisani-Revedin

A new cultural center dedicated to the art of bookmaking and antique printing has opened at Palazzo Pisani-Revedin near Campo Manin in Venice. Directed by Samuel Sarkis Baghdassarian with artistic collaboration from Aldo Maria Pero and Licinia Visconti, the center marks a new chapter for the Antica Stamperia Armena di Venezia, which originated from the Tipografia Mechitarista di San Lazzaro. For years, the printing press operated at Palazzo Ca' Zenobio, a hub for the Armenian community since 1836. The center will host exhibitions, conferences, and events promoting art books and traditional printing techniques. It features an exhibition area for works produced by the press, including books and engravings. The inaugural group show, "Artiste per Venezia," features Andreina Battel, Luigina De Grandis, and Francesca Draetta, all of whom have depicted Venice in their work. Baghdassarian noted that the press aims to create art books using antique machinery and methods but with modern authors. The press is relocating to a new space near Palazzo Pisani-Revedin, and the center is a transitional initiative. Upcoming projects include printing a book by an Armenian poet and other works delayed by the 2019 acqua alta and the pandemic.