Discovering a city's hidden beauties is like leafing through the pages of a book full of stories and secrets, even more so when it comes to Venice. Every corner of a city tells a story, and every building is a tangible testimony to its past.
In the process of exploration, we can rediscover the wonder of what was, what has become, and what still could be. Teatro Italia becomes an eloquent symbol of how even seemingly ordinary spaces can conceal a treasure trove of meaning and history, inviting us to embrace the unexpected and the allure of what has been and what will be.
The Italian Theatre: surviving in a supermarket
In the heart of Venice , the Teatro Italia has undergone an incredible transformation over the decades. Built in 1915 by architect Giovanni Sardi , the building was initially a theater that hosted plays and films, channeling the city's cultural energy. However, after periods of closure and abandonment, the Teatro Italia's fate took a surprising turn.
In 2016, the Teatro Italia underwent a bold transformation, once again opening its doors to the Venetian public in a completely unexpected guise: that of a Despar supermarket . This choice sparked debate and concern, as it seemed unusual for a cultural venue to transform into an arena for commercial exchange. However, the Teatro Italia demonstrates that the boundaries between culture and business can be blurred in innovative ways.
The history of the Teatro Italia
Strategically located along the busy road connecting Venice Santa Lucia train station to the Rialto Bridge, stands a unique neo-Gothic building, distinguished by the words “Teatro Italia” on its facade.
Architect Giovanni Sardi created this structure way back in 1915, drawing on the Gothic aesthetic of the lagoon. In particular, the details of the single-lancet and triple-lancet windows recall the magnificent Doge's Palace in Piazza San Marco and Palazzo Foscari in Dorsoduro, which now houses the university.
The façade features two distinctive coats of arms on the first floor, while a regal lion of St. Mark dominates the center of the roof balustrade. The entrance is adorned with four wrought-iron portals, the work of Umberto Bellotto, who also designed the chandeliers that illuminate the interior.
Venetian artist Alessandro Pomi (1890-1976) painted an epic allegory in the center of the ceiling of the main hall, titled "Glory of Italy." Meanwhile, the talented Guido Marussig , originally from Friuli, along with other local artists, created the Art Nouveau frescoes that decorate the interior. This building distinguished itself as one of the first to embrace the use of steel and reinforced concrete, representing a springboard for modern architecture.
Artistic respect and restoration: they create a little gem in Venice worth visiting
The idea of transforming a historic theater into a supermarket might have raised concerns about the building's artistic and historical heritage. However, exceptional commitment has been demonstrated to preserving its integrity. An investment of over two and a half million euros has been allocated to the restoration and renovation of the building, under careful supervision of the Superintendency.
This collaboration has prevented the Teatro Italia from falling into decline and has safeguarded its cultural value. For example, the low wooden shelves also offer a spectacular view of the auditorium's beauty.
The Teatro Italia in Venice also hosted Hillary Clinton
One of the most significant moments in the history of the Despar Teatro Italia supermarket was Hillary Clinton in September 2019. The former First Lady of the United States and US Secretary of State stopped by Kenneth Goldsmith's art installation " Hillary: the Hillary Clinton Emails ," further highlighting the synergy between culture, history, and internationally renowned figures in this unique location.
Thus, the Teatro Italia becomes a living example of how the combination of culture, history, and modernity can yield surprising results. To discover not only Venice but all the most beautiful hidden gems of the Veneto region, it's best to plan a stay of a few days , booking in advance and effortlessly.
