🏛️ Negozio Olivetti — Carlo Scarpa’s Modern Masterpiece in St. Mark’s Square
Amid the marble arcades of St. Mark’s Square lies one of Venice’s quietest, most elegant surprises — a small shop that changed the language of modern architecture.
Welcome to the Negozio Olivetti — the Olivetti Store — a stunning fusion of contemporary design and Venetian tradition. Conceived by Adriano Olivetti and brought to life by visionary architect Carlo Scarpa in 1957, this minimalist jewel is much more than a showroom: it’s a manifesto of modern Italian design set within one of the world’s most historic piazzas.
To explore this architectural gem in comfort, we recommend securing your tickets in advance — and stepping into a space where innovation and beauty still speak the same language.
✨ A Hidden Masterpiece Beneath the Procuratie Vecchie
Just steps from St. Mark’s Basilica, beneath the graceful arches of the Procuratie Vecchie, stands this modest yet remarkable shop. Once Olivetti’s Venetian showroom, it embodies the company’s postwar vision — where design was not merely aesthetic, but a form of culture and social progress.
Carlo Scarpa’s renovation transformed a narrow, unassuming space into an architectural experience of light, balance, and precision. Using Venetian materials — Aurisina stone, brass, ebony, and glass — he crafted a modern interior that harmonizes perfectly with the Renaissance façades outside.
🌿 Key Highlights of the Negozio Olivetti
- Carlo Scarpa’s Vision: Experience the brilliance of Scarpa’s architectural language — his floating staircase, geometric lines, and serene play of light make this space a living sculpture.
- Original 1950s Showroom Design: The showroom preserves its 1957–58 layout, restored with meticulous care in 2010 and reopened to the public in 2011 — offering visitors a rare window into mid-century Italian design.
- Material Harmony: Notice how each element — stone, wood, and metal — works together like a symphony. Every joint, handle, and curve carries Scarpa’s signature craftsmanship.
- Olivetti’s Philosophy: Discover how Adriano Olivetti revolutionized industry by blending technology with art, architecture, and social progress — a vision still admired today.
- Audio Guides: Available in Italian and English, they reveal the story behind Scarpa’s genius and Olivetti’s mission to humanize modern design.
🖼️ Temporary Exhibitions & Modern Design Heritage
Throughout the year, the Negozio Olivetti occasionally hosts small exhibitions dedicated to design, photography, and contemporary art. Each event reinterprets the space while honoring Scarpa’s philosophy of adaptability and dialogue between old and new.
Even during these transitions, the architecture itself remains the star — proof that good design never ages, it evolves.
🎟️ Why Book Your Tickets in Advance
Located at the heart of Venice’s busiest square, this hidden masterpiece can only accommodate a limited number of visitors at a time. Booking your Negozio Olivetti tickets in advance guarantees priority entry and a serene, uninterrupted visit — the best way to appreciate Scarpa’s quiet beauty away from the crowds of St. Mark’s Square.
💡 Advantages of Booking Early:
- Skip the Wait: Limited capacity means lines can form quickly — advance booking ensures immediate access.
- Stress-Free Experience: Explore at your own pace with no time constraints or last-minute worries.
- Combine with Nearby Museums: Easily include the visit in your itinerary along with Doge’s Palace or St. Mark’s Basilica — both just a few steps away.
🎟️ Book your Negozio Olivetti tickets here and experience one of Venice’s most fascinating design landmarks.
📸 Tips for Your Visit
- Take Your Time: This isn’t a large museum — it’s an intimate, contemplative space. Slow down and let your eyes adjust to the light and details.
- Look Closer: Notice how the staircase seems to float, how materials meet seamlessly, and how reflections change with each step — Scarpa’s genius lies in the details.
- Photography: Discreet photos are allowed — bring your camera to capture the interplay of geometry, light, and craftsmanship.
- Combine Experiences: Make it part of a day exploring Venice’s modern side with visits to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Ca’ Pesaro Museum.
🏗️ The Legacy of Carlo Scarpa
Carlo Scarpa (1906–1978) remains one of Italy’s most beloved architects — a craftsman-philosopher who saw architecture as a conversation between materials and memory. His work at Negozio Olivetti is a masterclass in proportion, balance, and innovation — a poetic dialogue between modern form and Venice’s timeless setting.
Scarpa’s design philosophy continues to influence architects and designers around the world, and a visit to this space feels like a quiet pilgrimage — one that reminds us that even the smallest spaces can hold the greatest meaning.
🎟️ Get Your Negozio Olivetti Tickets Now
Step inside Carlo Scarpa’s masterpiece — where Venice’s past and modernity coexist in perfect balance.
