Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano Venice 2026 | The Best of Made in Italy at the Arsenale
From Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, Venice once again becomes the international capital of Italian craftsmanship.
Set in the extraordinary historical setting of the Arsenale, the Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano returns for its fourth edition, celebrating the very best of Made in Italy excellence: hands, materials, tradition, innovation, and beauty.
This is not just a fair. It is a cultural journey through Italy’s most refined skills, where every object tells a story of passion, heritage, and human mastery.
What Is the Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano
The Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano is a unique event dedicated to Italy’s finest artisans and master craftspeople. Designed to showcase the intrinsic value of manual work, it brings together creators from across Italy, each carrying the cultural identity and traditions of their region.
Visitors are invited to discover not only exceptional objects, but also the creative process behind them: the transformation of raw materials into works of art, guided by experience, patience, and vision.
The event takes place at the :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, one of the most powerful symbols of Venice’s industrial and maritime past.
Why Venice Is the Perfect Host City
Venice is often described as “the oldest city of the future”.
For centuries, the city’s wealth and influence were built on craftsmanship: glassmaking, textiles, paper, shipbuilding, metalwork, and stone carving. Here, artisanal production was never secondary—it was the foundation of economic and cultural power.
Hosting the Salone in Venice is not a coincidence. It is a return to origins, in a city that has always understood the value of excellence made by hand.
The Location: Arsenale Nord
The 2026 edition takes place at Arsenale Nord, inside the Tese delle Nappe and Tese di San Cristoforo—fully restored historical pavilions defined by Istrian stone columns and vast, light-filled vaulted spaces.
Key figures:
- 7,000 square meters of exhibition space
- 7 exhibition halls (Tese)
- An immersive and emotionally engaging visitor route
These spaces become a living showcase of Italian savoir-faire, where tradition meets contemporary creativity.
Craft Sectors on Display
The Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano 2026 presents an expanded range of artisanal categories, offering a comprehensive overview of Made in Italy excellence.
- Fine jewelry and accessories
- Sculpture and artistic works
- Furniture and design pieces
- Glass art and blown glass
- Textiles, lace, and weaving
- Marble and stone craftsmanship
- Metalwork and artistic lighting
- Paper binding and paper art
- Artistic and conservation restoration
- High tailoring and couture
- Lutherie and musical instruments
- Leather goods and footwear
- Hats, umbrellas, and writing instruments
- Artistic fireplaces and decorative elements
Each stand offers more than products—it offers insight into centuries-old techniques adapted for the present and future.
Live Demonstrations and Venetian Traditions
A central feature of the Salone is the presence of over 70 live demonstrations, where master artisans work in real time, revealing the complexity and elegance of their craft.
Special attention is given to traditional Venetian craftsmanship, with a dedicated partnership involving the :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, showcasing projects developed with schools and institutions from Venice and across Italy.
For visitors, this is a rare opportunity to witness authentic craftsmanship up close—something increasingly rare in the modern world.
Sustainability, Innovation, and the Future of Craft
The Salone is not only about preserving heritage—it actively engages with the future.
Throughout the four days, talks and presentations focus on:
- Innovation in artisanal production
- The role of craftsmanship in cultural tourism
- Sustainability and responsible production
The event holds the ISO 20121:2012 certification, confirming its commitment to sustainable event management.
Past Editions and Growing Success
The 2023 Edition
The inaugural edition attracted 15,000 visitors over four days, supported by a strong national and international promotional campaign, institutional events, workshops, and side initiatives.
The 2024 Edition
The second edition welcomed over 12,000 visitors and 140 exhibitors from across Italy. The event received official recognition as a fair of international relevance and reaffirmed its role as a benchmark for Italian craftsmanship.
Organization and Partners
The Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano is promoted by the :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} and organized by :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, as part of the project “Venice and its Lagoon: Management and Enhancement of Tourist Flows”, funded by the Italian Ministry of Tourism.
Partners include the Regione Veneto, Fondazione Musei Civici Venezia, CNA Venezia, Confartigianato Venezia, and other key institutions supporting Italian craftsmanship.
Official Website and Practical Information
Dates: October 1–4, 2026
Location: Arsenale di Venezia
For official updates, program details, and visiting information, consult the official website:
Why Visit with Tour Leader Venice
Experiencing the Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano is about more than attendance—it’s about understanding context.
Tour Leader Venice offers a curated approach to the event, combining expert local insight, seamless logistics, and a deep knowledge of Venetian craftsmanship.
Because true luxury lies in understanding what you are seeing—and why it matters.
FAQs
When does the Salone dell’Alto Artigianato Italiano 2026 take place?
The event runs from Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Where is the Salone held in Venice?
The Salone takes place at the Arsenale di Venezia, specifically in the Tese delle Nappe and Tese di San Cristoforo.
What makes this event special for visitors?
It offers direct access to Italy’s finest artisans, live demonstrations, and a unique opportunity to understand the cultural and creative value behind Made in Italy craftsmanship.
