Venice Exhibition Chronicles the Collaboration Between Contemporary Artists and Murano Glassmasters

A new exhibition opening at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice presents the story of a unique collaboration that brought together contemporary artists and Murano’s master glassmakers. Running from 14 November 2026 to 29 March 2027, the exhibition focuses on the Fucina degli Angeli gallery, established in the late 1950s to showcase innovative glass artworks born from this partnership.

The gallery was founded by a visionary who acted as an intermediary between more than 100 international artists and the skilled glassblowers of Murano. This approach differed from traditional glassmaking companies like Venini, which produced decorative glassware often in large, commercially driven series despite involving international designers. Instead, the Fucina degli Angeli emphasised artistic experimentation and collaboration.

The exhibition features over 100 works, including glass pieces, paintings, and sculptures, displayed across 11 rooms organised by artist and theme. It also includes previously unexplored archival materials from the Fucina, shedding light on this creative period. Notable artists whose works were translated into glass include Max Ernst, Oskar Kokoschka, Lucio Fontana, and Paul Jenkins.

The name “Fucina degli Angeli” (smithy of the angels) was suggested by French writer and artist Jean Cocteau, a close collaborator who contributed extravagant designs and engaged directly with the glassmakers. Austrian Expressionist Oskar Kokoschka also played a symbolic role, providing a sketch of angels holding an anvil dedicated to the gallery and its founder.

The exhibition further highlights the behind-the-scenes support of Peggy Guggenheim, whose acquisitions helped sustain the gallery financially. Her connections enabled the Fucina’s works to be exhibited widely across Europe and even at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

By tracing this collaboration from the 1950s through to the 1980s, the exhibition offers insight into a distinctive chapter in Venice’s glassmaking history, where artistic innovation met traditional craftsmanship in a pioneering cultural exchange.