The largest contemporary craftsmanship event arrives in Venice. Here's what Homo Faber 2026 will be like

The fourth edition of Homo Faber, the biennial of high craftsmanship organized by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, will take place from September 1 to 30, 2026, at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice. Under the artistic direction of British artist and set designer Es Devlin, the event—titled "An Island of Light"—will feature 15 immersive installations showcasing over 800 objects made by 400 artisans from more than 70 countries, with 85 artisans exhibiting for the first time. Highlights include a kinetic mirror, a ceiling of paper lanterns inspired by Venetian lagoon birds, and a crescent structure rising from a pool.

This edition matters because it places craftsmanship—an intangible cultural heritage at risk of extinction—at the center of a spectacular, emotionally engaging experience. By emphasizing light, water, and the human hand, Homo Faber 2026 aims to rekindle public appreciation for handmade objects in an increasingly digital world, encouraging visitors to understand the origins of objects and support endangered craft traditions. The event also underscores Venice's unique role as a stage for blending contemporary art, design, and traditional skills.