Fortuny Museum

The Fortuny Museum, located in the heart of the San Marco district in Venice, is housed inside the magnificent Palazzo Pesaro Orfei, a Gothic structure built in the 15th century. This palace, with its imposing facade and spacious halls, represents a fine example of Venetian architecture of the period. Originally belonging to the noble Pesaro family, the palace was purchased in 1898 by the versatile Spanish artist Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo, who transformed it into his workshop and residence. Mariano Fortuny, born in Granada in 1871, was a true modern Renaissance man. A painter, photographer, set designer, stylist, and inventor, Fortuny brought his multiple passions to Venice, creating in the palace a laboratory of unparalleled creativity. Together with his wife Henriette Negrin, Fortuny developed innovative techniques in the field of fabric printing and fashion. The famous “Delphos” dress, inspired by Greek tunics and characterized by innovative pleating, is perhaps his most iconic creation. This dress revolutionized the fashion world of the 20th century, thanks to its combination of elegance and comfort.The transformation of Palazzo Pesaro Orfei into an artistic and cultural laboratory was not limited to fashion. Fortuny was also passionate about set design and theatrical lighting. In his Venetian workshop, he developed a system of diffused lighting that was adopted by major European theaters, such as La Scala in Milan and the Paris Opera House. His passion for theater and opera is still reflected today in the museum’s collections, which include stage sets and theatrical costumes.After Fortuny’s death in 1949, the palace was donated to the city of Venice on the condition that it be used as a cultural center. In 1975, Palazzo Fortuny officially opened as a museum, dedicated to the celebration of art and creativity. Today, the museum houses a vast collection of works by Mariano Fortuny, including paintings, photographs, engravings, and fabrics, as well as works by his father Marià Fortuny, a renowned romantic painter.One of the most fascinating aspects of the Fortuny Museum is its ability to blend historical and contemporary art. The temporary exhibitions organized by the museum often include works by modern and contemporary artists, creating a continuous dialogue between past and present. Internationally renowned artists such as Anselm Kiefer, Marina Abramovich, and Antoni Tàpies have exhibited their works in the palace’s halls, offering the public a multidisciplinary and innovative view of art.The rooms of the Fortuny Museum offer a unique sensory experience. The large halls, originally used as reception spaces by the Pesaro family, are now enriched by artistic installations that interact with the Gothic architecture of the palace. Fortuny’s private library, with its rare books and curious objects, offers an intimate look into the artist’s intellectual and creative world. Additionally, the museum still preserves Fortuny’s original workshops, where visitors can get a close look at the fabric printing techniques and tools used by the artist. An interesting anecdote concerns Fortuny’s passion for photography. Mariano Fortuny was a pioneer in using photography as an artistic and documentary tool. In his Venetian workshop, he developed advanced photographic techniques and created a vast collection of photographs documenting his travels, works, and daily life. These photographs, preserved in the museum, offer a valuable visual archive of early 20th-century Venice and Fortuny’s artistic world.