It took two years to restore the 15th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal to its former glory—not so long when you consider the painstaking care that went into every detail. Entering through the canal-front garden—a rarity in Venice—you’ll immediately see artifacts from the building’s past mingling with sculptures by contemporary artist Anna Paola Cibin, who exhibited work at the Biennale. Cross the threshold and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the 18th century, when aristocrats gathered here to play cards and listen to pianists performing Vivaldi’s scores. Gaze up and you’ll see Venice’s high society depicted in the 19th-century frescoes restored by a team of historians and artisans. Even Elisabetta Ghettini, whose firm worked on the recent restoration of the Rialto Bridge, lent a hand to the project. On the Piano Nobile, an antique French court piano—carefully brought in by boat off the canal—serves as a further reminder of the palazzo’s artistic past, complementing the Venetian tripartite architecture and Istrian stone balustrades flanking the arched windows.
Precious antiques, gilded mirrors, leaded windows, velvet curtains, and Murano glass chandeliers hark back to the palazzo’s golden age.
That decorative sensibility extends to the 18 rooms and suites, which are named after prominent figures, like Titian, Marco Polo, Casanova, and Lord Byron. The jewel box rooms are clad in silk damask by the legendary atelier Rubelli—a name synonymous with Venice itself. Precious antiques, gilded mirrors, leaded windows, velvet curtains, and Murano glass chandeliers hark back to the palazzo’s golden age. Each individually decorated room has its own character—no two are exactly alike. The Lord Byron Suite has beautifully patterned wooden floors, a cobalt divan, and Chinoiserie, while the Marco Polo Suite features classic terrazzo floors and a delicately painted ceiling. All rooms boast sumptuous marble bathrooms with luxurious amenities.
Adding to the palazzo’s classical architecture and ornate design, renowned chef Enrico Bartolini—one of Italy’s youngest to earn two Michelin stars—brings the culinary arts to life at Ristorante GLAM. Hailed for his contemporary approach to classic cuisine, the Tuscan chef who made a name for himself at Milan’s MUDEC brought his signature touch with him to Venice. While envisioning the menu, he looked to his surroundings, finding inspiration in Venice’s traditional seafood-centric dishes. He sources his vegetables from a garden in Giudecca, bringing them to Palazzo Venart’s own courtyard garden, where guests can savor an al fresco meal by candlelight overlooking the Grand Canal.
Guests can embark on Bartolini’s eclectic 8-course tasting menu, carried out with finesse by executive chef Donato Asconi, or order a la carte. From the very first bite to the dessert of hazelnut ice cream with warm chocolate mousse, the artfully composed dishes are a feast for the senses and a brilliantly modern counterpoint to the hotel’s classic style. GLAM is a welcome addition to La Serenissima’s fine dining scene to be sure.