Venice Exhibition Chronicles the Collaboration Between Contemporary Artists and Murano’s Master Glassblowers

A new exhibition opening at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice presents the story of the Fucina degli Angeli gallery and its founder, who played a key role in bridging contemporary art and Murano’s glassmaking tradition. Running from 14 November 2026 to 29 March 2027, the show highlights a unique collaboration that brought together more than 100 international artists and Murano’s master glassblowers.

The gallery, established three years after an initial experimental phase, became a platform for innovative glass art that diverged from the commercial series typical of traditional furnaces like Venini. Unlike these large-scale productions, the Fucina degli Angeli focused on artistic interpretation and bespoke creations, translating works by renowned artists into glass.

The exhibition features over 100 works, including glass pieces, paintings, and sculptures, displayed across 11 rooms organised by artist and theme. Among the artists whose works were transformed into glass are Max Ernst, Oskar Kokoschka, Lucio Fontana, and Paul Jenkins. The show also draws on the Fucina’s archives, which have not been extensively studied before, offering fresh insights into this artistic movement.

A notable aspect of the exhibition is the exploration of Peggy Guggenheim’s behind-the-scenes influence. Her acquisition of many pieces helped sustain the gallery financially, while her connections enabled the Fucina’s works to be exhibited across Europe and even at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The gallery’s name, Fucina degli Angeli (smithy of the angels), was suggested by French writer and artist Jean Cocteau, a close collaborator who also contributed designs and engaged directly with the glassmakers. Austrian Expressionist Oskar Kokoschka provided a symbolic sketch of two angels holding an anvil dedicated to the gallery’s founder, acknowledging his fascination with Murano glass. Both Cocteau and German sculptor Jean Arp were captivated by the colour and richness of glass, which is reflected in their contributions.

From the 1950s until the 1970s, before other glassmaking companies began to compete, the gallery’s founder acted as an interpreter between over 100 international artists and Murano’s master glassblowers, pioneering a new chapter in Venetian glass art. This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at that legacy and its impact on the art world.