5 places to admire Carlo Scarpa's work in Venice

This foundation hosts art and photography exhibitions, and much more. But this really doesn’t do justice to the architecture of details, by its architect, Carlo Scarpa. One of Italy’s most famous contemporary architects, the master supervised every single inch and detail on which you will feast your eyes.

Scarpa often said he was a Byzantine at heart, and this little gem, which is tucked away in the arcades of Piazza San Marco, shows exactly why. Check out the unusual decorative elements: the wonderful central staircase, the richness of the materials, and the refinement of every detail.

Venice’s Giardini della Biennale are famous for the art exhibitions that are held there, as well as for the famous names that designed each pavilion, from Giò Ponti to Stirling. Scarpa’s sculpture garden, inside the central Padiglione Italia, is a must-see. Enjoy a moment of peace and meditation.

An excellent example of a modern addition to a historical building, the Baratto Auditorium is a beautiful illustration of the maestro’s modus operandi, as it was created in collaboration with Venetian artisan workshops. The Ca’ Foscari University organises guided tours of the building. Contact cafoscaritour@unive.it for bookings.

This project, which was completed after Scarpa’s death, shows how the architect always liked to think out of the box. He dismantled the old doorway in the façade, which previously served as a gate, and used it as a basin in his design, replacing it with a sliding gate made from iron and Istrian stone.