The arrival of the Orient Express hotel in Venice reopens the historic Palazzo Donà Giovannelli (filling it with contemporary art)

Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a 15th-century Venetian palace, has reopened as the flagship Orient Express hotel after an eight-year restoration led by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman. Located in the Cannaregio district, the 5-star luxury hotel features 47 rooms, suites, and residences, blending historical frescoes and neogothic details with contemporary sculptures, Murano glass chandeliers, and custom furnishings. The property, owned by Arsenale Group since 2019, includes a transformed courtyard lobby, a secret garden, and a rotating selection of contemporary artworks displayed in a passage called Calle Meraviglia.

This opening matters because it represents a significant convergence of heritage preservation and contemporary art within the luxury hospitality sector, reinforcing Venice's status as a cultural destination. By integrating site-specific contemporary works and high craftsmanship into a meticulously restored historic palazzo, the project sets a precedent for how art can animate and differentiate exclusive hotel experiences. It also adds a major new player to Venice's ultra-luxury accommodation market, following the arrival of Airelles, and highlights the growing trend of art-driven hotel concepts in historic European buildings.