Hey dear traveler, if you're enchanted by the timeless magic of Venice and also have a soft spot for the vibrant beat of news contemporary art, we’ve got news that will stir your creative soul. In the city that floats on water - among alleys, bridges, and centuries of history - a new heart is about to start beating for modern visual expression.
Let’s discover everything you need to know on San Marco Art Center in Venice (SMAC) in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
A new chapter for Venice: SMAC – San Marco Art Center
Right in the most iconic heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco, a revolutionary new project is taking shape: the San Marco Art Center (SMAC), a cutting-edge space for contemporary visual arts, ready to welcome artists, visionaries, and curious minds from all over the world.
Located in the historic Procuratie Vecchie, the SMAC spreads across the entire second floor, recently restored with skill and sensitivity by David Chipperfield Architects Milan. In this building, where the administrative core of Venice once beat, today the energy of modern creativity comes alive.
San Marco Art Center in Venice: an architectural gem in the heart of the City
Before diving into the exhibitions and events, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the space itself. The Procuratie Vecchie are not just “a venue” - they are a piece of Venetian history, lovingly renovated to combine tradition and innovation.
The SMAC (San Marco Art Center in Venice) features sixteen exhibition rooms, arranged along an 80-meter-long corridor, illuminated by more than fifty windows overlooking the world’s most famous square. The contrast of white terrazzo floors, light grey Venetian plaster walls, and two rooms adorned with Napoleonic-era frescoes creates a setting that is already a work of art in itself.
How to get to SMAC in Venice (San Marco Art Center)
Access is easy - simply walk through Corte Maruzzi, a small private courtyard that leads to a monumental staircase, guiding visitors straight into this cultural treasure.
The opening exhibitions San Marco Art Center in Venice
To inaugurate this new Venetian art temple, San Marco Art Center in Venice, two international exhibitions will be unveiled - both striking in their scope and vision.
1: Migrating Modernism. The architecture of Harry Seidler
A tribute to the renowned Australian architect Harry Seidler, a pioneer of modernism in the late 20th century. His projects, primarily in Australia, demonstrate a deep connection between form, function, and natural context. Models, photographs, sketches, and multimedia installations lead us through his visionary architectural language.
2: For all that breathes on Earth. Jung Youngsun and collaborators
A sensory and poetic journey through the world of South Korean landscape architect Jung Youngsun, a trailblazer in sustainable urban design. From ecological gardens in Seoul to meditative pathways at the Dharma Center, her work beautifully fuses nature, spirituality, and landscape architecture.
What to know before visiting SMAC, new center of contemporary art
Here are the key steps to make the most of your experience at the new contemporary art center, San Marco Art Center in Venice:
1: Check the exhibition calendar
The SMAC promises a dynamic international program, with rotating temporary exhibitions throughout the year. You'll find not only visual art, but also immersive installations, talks, performances, and artist-led workshops.
Insider tip: follow SMAC and The Human Safety Net Foundation on their official channels to stay up-to-date on special events and ticket releases.
2: Book in advance
Being a fresh addition right in Venice's main tourist hub, the center is expected to draw crowds, especially in its early months. We recommend booking tickets online in advance, particularly on weekends or during high season.
3: Allow at least 2 hours
To fully appreciate the exhibits, absorb the atmosphere, take photos, and maybe enjoy a nearby coffee, plan to spend at least two hours. This isn’t a "rush through" kind of place, it's meant to be savored.
Why visit the New Contemporary Art Center in Venice (SMAC)?
You might wonder: "With everything there is to see in Venice, is it really worth adding this to my itinerary?" The answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:
- A perfect fusion of old and new: the historic architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions create an exhilarating contrast.
- Unbeatable views: the exhibition rooms offer a unique and privileged perspective on St. Mark’s Square.
- Cultural accessibility: the SMAC isn’t just for art insiders - t’s immersive and welcoming, even for newcomers to contemporary art.
- Extra events: each exhibit is paired with public talks, workshops, and artist-curator conversations to enrich the overall experience.
San Marco Art Center in Venice: What to consider before you go
Best time to visit San Marco Art Center in Venice:
Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to explore Venice - fewer crowds, mild weather, and magical light. Visiting SMAC during these months means you’ll enjoy the serene charm of the Procuratie to its fullest.
How to fit it into a day:
- Morning: visit St. Mark’s Basilica and climb the Campanile
- Late morning: explore the SMAC – San Marco Art Center
- Afternoon: stroll through hidden bacari or head to the Accademia Gallery
- Evening: enjoy an aperitivo on the Grand Canal and dinner at a local restaurant
What to eat near SMAC, new contemporary art center
After soaking in all that art and light, it’s time to treat your taste buds. Here are some food stops near Piazza San Marco worth checking out:
1: Venetian Tramezzini at Rosa Salva
Just a short walk away, this historic pastry shop serves legendary tramezzini, try the one with tuna and boiled egg for a true local snack.
2: Cicchetti and Wine at Bacaro Risorto
An authentic bacaro, ideal for sampling Venetian tapas like fish balls, sarde in saor, and other regional delicacies, paired with a crisp white wine (ombra).
3: Sweet Treats at Marchini Time
End your day with a traditional slice of Venetian cake or a custard-filled frittella.
Looking ahead: SMAC as more than a museum
The San Marco Art Center in Venice isn’t just an exhibition venue - it’s a cultural platform, a meeting point for lovers of visual experimentation and local heritage alike. Artistic directors Anna Bursaux, David Gramazio, and David Hrankovic are curating a rich and unpredictable lineup.
Their mission? To stimulate dialogue between tradition and innovation, to champion new voices, and to solidify Venice’s position not only as a city of history-but of contemporary expression, too.
Contemporary Art: New San Marco Art Center in Venice - SMAC
The new contemporary art center, San Marco Art Center in Venice (SMAC) is a love letter to the city and its unyielding spirit of reinvention. A cultural bridge, an open invitation to experience, reflect, and be moved.
So, dear travelers, if you're planning a visit to La Serenissima, don’t stop at the postcard views. Step into the SMAC, let yourself be surprised, inspired, transformed.
Contemporary art is calling you, from the most historic heart of Venice.
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