Located in the heart of Venice, more precisely in the San Marco district, Palazzo Fortuny is a Venetian Museum that was originally called “Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei”. It then got its name from Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo, its last owner. Nowadays it belongs to the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.
Let’s find out something more about Palazzo Fortuny in Venice and why you should visit it!
From Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei to Palazzo Fortuny: Tracing the History of the Venetian Museum
Palazzo Fortuny was first funded by the Pesaro Nobles in the 15th century and it was their home up until the 18th century. The palace then became, as mentioned before, Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei, because it briefly was the seat of the Accademia Filarmonica degli Orfei.
It was then bought by Mariano Fortuny at the beginning of the 20th century and he turned it into his atelier. Mariano Fortuny was very passionate about art and he loved Spain’s cultural scene of the 19th century and he bought this building because he found it fascinating. This Palazzo quickly became the center of Venice’s cultural elite.
After his death, the palace was donated to the Municipality of Venice by Mariano Fortuny’s wife, turning it into a museum.
Mariano Fortuny: The Creative Genius Behind Palazzo Fortuny
Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo was a Spanish painter, stylist and designer. He was a son of art from his father, a Catalan painter called Marìa Fortuny I Marsal, whom he lost at a very young age. When he moved to Paris with his mother at the age of three, Mariano Fortuny began showing interest in art and design. Because of this, he moved to Venice at the age of 18, where he bought Palazzo Pesaro Orfei, which later on turned into Palazzo Fortuny.
He decorated this palace according to his taste and art with his wife Henriette Negrin who also helped him create fashionable pieces of clothing. Since his clothes were becoming quite popular, Mariano Fortuny also opened boutiques in Paris, London, Madrid and New York!
He was the founder of Tessuti Artistici Fortuny, an agency that produces fabric for clothes that is still active to this day.
Unveiling the artistic treasures: must-see rooms at Palazzo Fortuny
After being closed for a couple of years for restoration works, the Palazzo Fortuny Museum was reopened to the public in 2022. Wandering through the halls of this palace, you will get to experience the vision of Mariano Fortuny, a polyhedric artist that will blow your mind.
Here are some of the works of art and rooms you can’t miss out on seeing if you’re visiting Palazzo Fortuny:
● THE WINTER GARDEN;
● GIUSEPPE VERDI’S OTELLO;
● MARIANO FORTUNY’S ATELIER;
● THE FASHION ROOM;
● MARIANO FORTUNY’S PERSONAL COLLECTION;
Conclusion
If you’re planning on visiting Venice, you should definitely consider adding Palazzo Fortuny to your itinerary. The art you will breathe through its walls is immense and we’re sure you won’t regret it. If you want to get to know more about the city of Venice, check out our other blogs and book a tour with us!
