1932-1942 Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale

13 April - 23 November 2025

This second chapter, dedicated by *LE STANZE DEL VETRO* to the history of Murano glass at the Venice Biennale, will focus on the period between 1932 and 1942—covering the 18th to 23rd Biennale editions. This timeframe marks the opening of the Venice Pavilion in 1932 and ends with the final Biennale edition before the disruption caused by World War II.

Since 1932, Murano glass was showcased at the Biennale in a dedicated space, the Venice Pavilion, built specifically for the decorative arts by the initiative of the *Istituto Veneto per il Lavoro*. This marked the official recognition of the value and quality of so-called "minor arts," with a selection of works chosen to be presented to the general public at the Venice Art Biennale.

The recurring presence of Murano glass at this prestigious event had a profound impact on the island, allowing the glassmakers to display their finest works and capitalize on the momentum the Biennale provided. More than just an exceptional showcase, the Venice Biennale—through its artistic vibrancy and international reach—gave valuable exposure to glassworks and the broader world of artistic glass in all its forms.

Among the glassworks, Venini stood out for its collaboration with Carlo Scarpa, while Barovier Seguso Ferro, later known as Seguso Vetri d’Arte, worked with Flavio Poli. Painter Dino Martens first collaborated with Salviati and Successori Rioda, later joining forces with Aureliano Toso. Other notable glassmakers from these years who explored the potential of the medium included AVEM, the historic Barovier furnace, Cirillo Maschio, Ulderico Moretti, S.A.I.A.R. Ferro Toso, Fratelli Toso, VAMSA, and S.A.L.I.R.

Accompanied by a catalogue edited by Marino Barovier and Carla Sonego, *1932-1942 Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale* aims to showcase the works presented in those editions and offer insight into them through period documents.

more information about the exhibition

Cover image: Vetri Barovier Toso & C. alla XXII Biennale di Venezia, 1940. Foto d’epoca, ABT (Archivio Barovier & Toso)