Sanlorenzo Arts, a new creative platform by Italian yard Sanlorenzo, has announced the opening of a "cultural and artistic lab" in Venice. Known as Casa Sanlorenzo, the space is part of a new strategy that will see the Italian yard take on an active cultural role alongside its regular production.
A place where "artists can explore new forms of expression," Casa Sanlorenzo spans 1000 square metres – not including the 600-square-metre garden – and houses an area devoted to exhibitions, shows and Sanlorenzo's contemporary art collection, which includes works from 1965 to present day. It is located within a restored 1940s mansion in front of the iconic Basilica Santa Maria della Salute Casa.
The building's restoration was undertaken by architect Piero Lissoni of Lissoni & Partners, a long-standing collaborator known for his work on the 44X-Space series and the yard's first fuel-cell-powered superyacht, Almax. Works included the preservation of the original flooring, enhancing the building's brick facades and the installation of an adaptive lighting system and innovative glass staircase.
"Our aim with Casa Sanlorenzo is to offer a reference point for initiatives linked to the world of Sanlorenzo Arts, an entity conceived with the goal of celebrating and supporting the union between art, design and culture, where innovation and creativity can flourish without limits," said Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo's executive chairman.
He added: "In an increasingly virtual world, we wanted to invest in presence, in meaningful encounters, and in shared experiences. Because we believe that authenticity requires substance, time and human connection. And Venice is the perfect place for this project."
Casa Sanlorenzo was one of the official venues of Venice Climate Week, which hosted "Sanlorenzo Talks" from 4 to 6 June – a series of meetings and conversations dedicated to the themes of ecological transition and sustainable innovation.