Hey dear travelers, the news is official: Venice is now home to Italy’s first center dedicated to ocean literacy!
On the enchanting island of San Servolo, just minutes away by vaporetto from St. Mark’s Square, the Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy Centre in Venice has officially opened its doors.
This groundbreaking space is the result of a powerful collaboration between Prada Group and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC).
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this incredible initiative in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
A center to understand the Ocean, in the heart of Venice
The Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy Centre in Venice Italy marks a turning point in Italy’s environmental education.
Located on San Servolo Island, the center offers a unique opportunity to understand the ocean’s role in our lives and its delicate balance with the planet.
Its goal? To spark awareness of the deep connection between us and the sea, using a blend of scientific knowledge and emotional engagement.
The vision of Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy in Venice: Educate to protect
The Sea Beyond project stems from the synergy between Prada Group and UNESCO-IOC, launched in 2019 to promote sustainability and ocean conservation.
This global educational program has already involved over 35,000 students worldwide, spreading the principles of ocean literacy and encouraging new generations to adopt responsible behaviors toward the sea.
Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy in Venice: An immersive, multi-sensory learning experience
The center was designed to offer an engaging, hands-on learning experience.
Its activities target students of all ages, local communities, researchers, residents, and tourists alike—communicating science in a simple, emotional, and interdisciplinary way.
Steps for a complete experience:
- Explore Themed Rooms
Each room focuses on a specific aspect of the ocean, offering in-depth explorations of topics like ocean currents, marine biodiversity, and human impact on aquatic ecosystems. - Participate in Interactive Labs
Hands-on workshops let visitors experiment with oceanographic phenomena and better understand the environmental challenges we face. - Attend Talks and Seminars
Meet experts, discover the latest research, and go deeper into current environmental topics in dedicated events and discussions.
Sustainable and innovative Design
The center is housed inside Palazzo Libeccio, surrounded by a lush park with more than 400 plant species.
Its design reflects a circular philosophy, using recycled materials like wood, oyster shells, and post-consumer seafood waste.
This eco-conscious approach doesn't just reduce environmental impact—it reinforces the center’s values of sustainability and respect for nature.
Prestigious collaborations for a shared goal (Prada and UNESCO)
The Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy Centre in Venice was made possible thanks to collaboration with Prada Group, and CRA – Carlo Ratti Associati and UNESCO-IOC.
Together, they’ve created a space that not only educates, but inspires visitors to connect more deeply with the ocean—and to become conscious, proactive citizens for its protection.
Venice: A symbolic and strategic choice
Choosing Venice as the home for the Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy Centre was no coincidence.
The lagoon city is a living example of a transitional ecosystem, constantly shaped by the interactions between land, sea, and human activity.
This makes it the ideal setting to explore the challenges and opportunities of sustainable living with the marine environment.
Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy in Venice: Educational activities for all ages
The center offers a wide range of educational programs, including the beautifully named "Kindergarten of the Lagoon", designed for preschoolers.
This initiative helps build a connection between children and the lagoon through outdoor learning and immersive educational paths.
Key info for visiting:
- Opening Hours
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. - Bookings
Some activities require advance booking—especially guided tours and interactive workshops. - Accessibility
The center is wheelchair-accessible and provides learning materials in multiple languages.
A concrete commitment to the Ocean’s future
The Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy in Venice center is a powerful step toward creating a culture of environmental awareness.
By turning knowledge into action, it encourages behaviors that contribute to healthier, more sustainable marine ecosystems.
So dear travelers, the next time you stroll through the alleys of Venice or cruise along the canals in a gondola, remember: beneath that shimmering surface lies a world of life—and now, thanks to this center, you can explore it up close and personal.
What to taste after visiting the Center: A Lagoon-inspired culinary journey
After a day of discovery and reflection, you might be wondering—where can I eat?
Great news! San Servolo and Venice offer some truly delicious lagoon- and sea-inspired dishes. Here are some must-try bites that perfectly complement your Sea Beyond experience:
What to eat:
- Sarde in Saor
Marinated sardines with onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts—a bite of Venetian tradition. - Bigoli in Salsa
Thick pasta served with anchovy and onion sauce. Humble, hearty, and full of sea-flavored soul. - Moeche Fritte
Fried soft-shell crabs caught during molting season. Crunchy and addictive. - Risotto di Gò (Goby Fish)
A creamy risotto made with a local lagoon fish—simple, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Venice’s culinary heritage.
A destination for curious and conscious travelers
Whether you’re an explorer looking for authentic experiences, a teacher, a parent, or simply a curious soul—Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy in Venice offers a new lens through which to view the city.
It’s not just about admiring architecture and art anymore. It’s about learning, connecting, and making a difference.
The center also represents a model of regenerative tourism—not just consuming a city, but contributing to its future through culture and knowledge.
Upcoming events and what’s next
This isn’t just a static museum. The center has an exciting calendar of ongoing events and collaborations with scientists, educators, and artists. Look out for:
- Workshops for students and teachers
- Ocean-themed art and science festivals
- Temporary exhibitions
- Citizen science days to clean the lagoon and monitor biodiversity
This is just the beginning. The Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy Centre is set to become a vibrant hub for ideas, innovation, and ocean action.
How to get to the Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy Centre in Venice
Wondering how to reach the island? Easy!
- From San Zaccaria (near St. Mark’s Square): hop on vaporetto line 20 to San Servolo.
- Travel time: about 10 minutes.
- Tickets: use a standard ACTV waterbus ticket or a tourist pass if you're staying longer.
Insider tip
Bring a notebook or open your Notes app—every room in the center will spark an idea, a question, or a new perspective. Capture it. You might find yourself months later making more sustainable choices because of what you learned here.
Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy in Venice: A new chapter for Venice (and for You)
In a world facing urgent environmental challenges, knowledge is our greatest lifeline.
And what better place than Venice—a city born of water—to learn about our oceans?
Sea Beyond Ocean Literacy in Venice by Prada and UNESCO isn’t just an educational space: it’s a call to action, a visual and sensory poem that reminds us how deeply we are all connected to water—and to the planet’s future.
Next time you visit Venice, don’t just see the monuments. Go deeper. Enter the blue heart of San Servolo Island, and let yourself be transported sea beyond.