Simone Venturini is the new mayor of Venice: here's what he wants to do for culture (and yes, the councilor will return)

Simone Venturini, a 38-year-old center-right candidate, has been elected mayor of Venice in a surprise first-round victory on May 25, 2026. Born and raised in Marghera, Venturini entered politics at 22 and is seen as the protégé of outgoing mayor Luigi Brugnaro. His campaign emphasized daily belonging and crisis management experience, from the pandemic to overtourism.

Venturini's cultural platform is central to his mandate, aiming to transform Venice from a tourist showcase into a living cultural laboratory. Key proposals include a dedicated culture councilor, a unified governance system linking institutions like La Biennale di Venezia and civic museums, a Metropolitan Culture Ticket to distribute visitor flows, and the conversion of Porto Marghera into a creative production hub. He also plans Venice Cinema Studios on the Lido and Giudecca to attract permanent film production.