Olivetti Showroom in Venice

Art and history

In 1957 Adriano Olivetti rented a dark and narrow place under the Procuratie Vecchie in St Mark’s Square from Assicurazioni Generali. For its renovation, he commissioned the famous architect Carlo Scarpa: he had to create a space that was not just the showroom of the famous typewriter brand, but the real calling card of the Olivetti firm.

Carlo Scarpa managed to create a functional, elegant and original area and expanded it by adding windows and balconies and arranging, in the center of the room, a staircase composed of stone steps that seem to be suspended in space. Upstairs, some historic typewriters and calculators donated by Olivetti are exhibited.

After years of neglect, thanks to Assicurazioni Generali and Fondo Ambiente Italiano, on April 20, 2011 the Olivetti Showroom reopened to the public and today its management is entrusted to the FAI.
 

Not to be missed

Admire the beauty of the golden sculpture 'Nude in the sun' by Alberto Viani and the airy staircase created by Carlo Scarpa.

On the first floor, look closely at some historic samples of typewriters and calculators from the Olivetti factory. It's like taking a leap into history!

Of particular interest are the Letter 22 portable typewriter from 1950 and the Lexikon 80 from 1948, both exhibited at the MOMA in New York.
 

An insider tip

The statue by Alberto Viani seems to be suspended on a black marble slab. In reality, it is a tank that holds a thin layer of water in constant motion. This element recalls one of the phenomena for which Venice is famous: high tides!
 

Information for your visit

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 to 18.30 (last admission at 17.30).

 

Places to visit in St. Mark's Square

In addition to the jewel of the Olivetti Showroom, in St. Mark's Square you can find the most famous monuments and museums of Venice, among which the 'must-sees' are:

• The Basilica of San Marco
• The Doge's Palace
• The Campanile of San Marco
• The Clock Tower