Historically the oldest, – established in 1895, and perhaps the most illustrious art festival in the world, the 55th International Art Biennale Venice runs until November, drawing lovers of art and culture from all over the world, to one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Excitingly enough, this year the Biennale celebrates its 55th anniversary, featuring works from almost 90 countries, with 48 collateral events.
The title chosen by curator Massimiliano Gioni for the 55th International Art Exhibition is ‘Il Palazzo Enciclopedico / The Encyclopedic Palace’. Massimiliano Gioni introduced the choice of theme evoking the Italo-American self-taught artist Marino Auriti who “on November 16, 1955 filed a design with the US Patent office depicting his Palazzo Enciclopedico (The Encyclopedic Palace), an imaginary museum that was meant to house all worldly knowledge, bringing together the greatest discoveries of the human race, from the wheel to the satellite.The festival takes place until November 24th, 2013 at the Giardini, at the Arsenale, and in various venues thoughout the city. It showcases contemporary art, architecture, cinema, dance, music and theatre on every corner of Venice.
When visiting the Biennale, The BAUERs Group is widely recognized for having four of the most luxurious properties to stay in Venice L’Hotel, II Palazzo, II Paladio Hotel & Spa, and Villa F. L’Hotel, known for their chandeliers, marble floors, lush gardens, and beautiful fabrics, and only minutes away from St. Marks Square, home to Venice chicest shops and eateries.
Il Palazzo has the charm of 18th century Venetian gothic architecture and features spectacular views of the Grand Canal, and St. Mark’s Basin. II Palladio Hotel and Spa, located on Venice Giudecca Island, is known for its views of the water and for its unique spa treatments, like the Magnolia Massage, held in a bedouin style white linen tent beneath an ancient Magnolia tree. Also situated on Giudecca Island is Villa F., the Group’s most recent property, previously home to noble Venetian families, with historical significance to the Renaissance, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The BAUERs Il Palazzo terrace
What to Do and Where to Stay in Venice
Francesca Bortolotto Possati, owner and CEO of the BAUERs, who caters to all aspects of her properties and guests, also created a short list of suggestions and tips for those going to Venice during the Biennale.
- The SEGUSO Exhibit at the BAUERs L’Hotel, ongoing everyday until September 29th, 2013. The name Seguso became synonymous with quality glasswork during the fifties and sixties when the prestigious glass factory was under the direction of creative genius Flavio Poli, winner of the Grand Prix at the Brussels International Exposition of 1958.
- Ai Wei Wei Exhibit at Zuecca Gallery, on Giudecca Island, ongoing everyday until September 15th, 2013. As a Collateral Event of the 55. International Art Exhibition – la Biennale di Venezia, Zuecca Project Space will present an exhibition of new works by Ai Weiwei until 15 September 2013. The artist’s only major new solo show in 2013, it will be presented across two locations in Venice: the Zitelle complex, home of Zuecca Projects, and the church of Sant’Antonin. Work by Ai Weiwei will also be on display elsewhere in the Venice Biennale as part of a group exhibition at the German Pavilion.
- The Marciana Library, designed by Sansovino and regarded by the famous architect Palladio as the most beautiful building in the world, contains a multiplicity of literature, including the most praised works of philosophy and poetry.
- Santa Maria dei Miarcoli Church, which she describes as “as one of the hidden gems of Venetian Renaissance architecture”. Also known as the “marble church”, it is one of the best examples of the early Venetian Renaissance including colored marble, a false colonnade on the exterior walls (pilasters), and a semicircular pediment.
- Caterina Tognon in San Marco for its contemporary art.
- Massimo Micheluzzi for its Venetian glass.
For restaurants, Ms. Possati suggest:
- Antiche Carampagne, situated in the heart of Venice, only steps away from the Rialto Bridge, is the renowned restaurant where distinguished Venitian cuisine is served in a familiar setting.
- Da Fiore, for those who love seafood, has some of the best in the world, and has served American celebrities such as Johnny depp, Mick Jagger, and Tom Cruise.
- De Pisis, THE BAUERs gourmet restaurant with the exquisite nature of terrace, seating along one of the most spectacular sites in the world, Venice’s Grand Canal, with a view of the famous Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute in the distance, is perfect for those who prefer the intimacy of interiors, the dining room is elaborately furnished in a style reminiscent of Venice’s past.
On July 20th, for the occasion of ‘The Feast Of The Redeemer’, and as every year on this hot summer night in July, fireworks are set off in Venice (begin around 10:00 pm) for the celebration marking the end of Europe’s most devastating plague in 1576. Venetian Doge Alvise I Mocenigo, in honor of the plague’s end, built the Church of the Redeemer on Giudecca Island. The project was commissioned by Andrea Palladio, and assisted by Da Ponte and since the Church’s completion in 1592, it has served as an iconic emblem to the Feast.
At this time for travelling to Venice, the luxurious BAUERs Hotel offers a three-night deal including a welcome pack and daily buffet breakfast. It also includes an unforgettable dinner on the terrace of De Pisis restaurant, where you may enjoy the Chef’s world famous courses, while admiring the feast’s fantastic fireworks show. De Pisis’ Chef Hiraki Masakazu will serve fresh and unique meals, with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Take a view at Hiraki Masakazu’s Redeemer’s menu for Saturday July 20th, 2013 from 9:00 pm.
For further informations and reservations contact to