In a move that blends historical reverence with visionary ambition, designer Dries Van Noten has acquired the Palazzo Pisani Moretta in Venice. The 15th-century Gothic-Baroque masterpiece, located along the Grand Canal between the Rialto Bridge and Ca’ Foscari, marks a significant new chapter in Van Noten’s creative life after stepping away from the runway.
The Palazzo Pisani Moretta will be transformed into a cultural hub celebrating craftsmanship, contemporary art, and dialogue between tradition and innovation. Calling the endeavor a “personal journey,” designer Dries Van Noten emphasized his commitment to creating something forward-looking while honoring Venice’s deep artisanal and cultural legacy.
Open to the public, the project will feature exhibitions and collaborations with both artists and artisans, turning the richly decorated interiors—home to frescoes by Tiepolo and Guarana—into a vibrant, living space. Restored by the Sammartini family, the Palazzo Pisani Moretta now enters a new phase under the stewardship of Van Noten and his partner Patrick Vangheluwe.
Already a resident of the Grand Canal, designer Dries Van Noten is further deepening his connection to Venice with this acquisition. A detailed vision for the space is expected this September. With this initiative, designer Dries Van Noten joins peers like Rick Owens and Renzo Rosso in shaping Venice’s cultural future—ensuring that the Palazzo Pisani Moretta becomes a beacon for contemporary creativity rooted in historical beauty.