Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten and his partner, chef Patrick Vangheluwe, have acquired the historic 15th-century Palazzo Pisani Moretta on Venice’s Grand Canal to establish the Fondazione Dries Van Noten. The nonprofit foundation, set to open in April 2026 just before the 61st Venice Biennale, will host exhibitions, residencies, and events dedicated to the art of craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with modern forms like AI and 3D printing. The 43,000-square-foot palazzo, known for its Carnival masquerade balls and film appearances, contains artworks by Tiepolo and was sold only to a buyer with a strong stewardship plan.
The foundation matters because it positions Venice as a living, evolving city rather than a nostalgic tourist destination, connecting local craft traditions to a global context. It also joins a growing trend of fashion houses—such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Prada, and Ferragamo—establishing their own arts and culture foundations, signaling the increasing role of luxury brands in shaping the contemporary art world. Van Noten’s focus on endangered craft techniques and interdisciplinary dialogue adds a distinctive voice to Venice’s cultural landscape.