Since 2013, Louis Vuitton has fostered an active presence in Venice through the Espace Louis Vuitton Venezia, which has preserved the city’s historical treasures and exhibited the leading names in contemporary art and architecture. This year, it’s presenting “Apollo, Apollo” by Katharina Grosse. This commitment for creation in dialogue with Venice’s architectural heritage is matched by one to preserve it; as a supporter of the international non-profit Venetian Heritage Foundation, Louis Vuitton will contribute to the renovation and restoration of the late Gothic palazzo Museum of the Ca’ D’Oro.
Since 2010, Louis Vuitton has supported the Venetian Heritage Foundation in restoring important artworks including the 14th-century gilded silver altarpiece in the Church of San Salvador, and golden objects and precious stones which are part of the Church’s treasury. This work continues with a contribution to the renovation of the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery at the Ca’ d’Oro, the monumental late Gothic palace on the Grand Canal. Conceived by Marino Contarini in the 15th century, the original façade featured marble polychromy and gilded sculptures; hence its name, the House of Gold.
Restoration view of the Ca’ D’Oro, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
The house returned to its original splendor during the twentieth century thanks to Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who bought it in 1894, restored it, and located and purchased the original sculptures and decorations that had been dispersed. With the soles of a pair of shoes strapped to his knees for protection, he spent entire days assembling the entrance hall mosaic which he himself had designed, drawing inspiration from those in Saint Mark’s Cathedral. He sourced the marble tesserae from the finest quarries in the world. His friend Gabriele D’Annunzio recalled having been there alongside Franchetti, “on my knees, like a worker, setting porphyry and other stones in the grout.”
Restoration view of the Ca’ D’Oro, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Restoration view of the Ca’ D’Oro, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
The Ca’ D’Oro now houses a museum showcasing Franchetti’s art collection, donated to the Italian state in 1916, alongside paintings and sculptures from churches destroyed during the French and Austrian occupation.
