Homo Faber 2026 in Venice: a journey through art, craftsmanship and beauty

From 1 to 30 September 2026, Venice hosts Homo Faber 2026 – An Island of Light, the fourth edition of the international biennial dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship. The event invites visitors to rediscover the value of materials, handcraft and creativity through the work of hundreds of craftspeople from around the world.

For anyone visiting Venice in September, Homo Faber offers a unique opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective, through art, design, tradition and craftsmanship.

Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light

The theme of this edition is “An Island of Light”. Artistic direction is entrusted to Es Devlin, who has created a journey inspired by the Venetian lagoon and its archipelago, exploring the relationship between light, materials and the human hand.

The exhibition takes place in the historic spaces of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, transformed for the occasion into an immersive experience.

The exhibition features 15 installations and hundreds of objects created by master craftspeople from around the world. The programme also includes live demonstrations, workshops, culinary experiences and guided tours.

It is an opportunity to discover what usually remains hidden behind a finished object: the skill, precision, materials and time required to transform an idea into something tangible.

Homo Faber in Venice: more than an exhibition

One of the most fascinating aspects of Homo Faber 2026 is that the experience extends beyond the Fondazione Giorgio Cini.

Throughout September, Homo Faber in Città brings craftsmanship to different locations across Venice, with exhibitions, events and initiatives celebrating Venetian and international craftsmanship.

The programme also includes visits to Venetian artisan workshops featured in the Homo Faber Guide, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the places where traditional skills and techniques are still passed down today.

This connection between Venice, craftsmanship and tradition is what makes Homo Faber particularly special: it is not simply about admiring beautiful objects, but about discovering the people and gestures behind them.

When to visit Homo Faber 2026

Homo Faber 2026 is open to the public every day from 1 to 30 September, from 10 am to 7 pm, with last admission at 5 pm. A timed ticket is required.

The full-price ticket costs €16, with reduced rates and free admission available for certain categories.

Reaching San Giorgio Maggiore is part of the experience itself. From the San Marco area, the island can be reached by vaporetto, or by using the free shuttle service available to visitors who have purchased their ticket online for the day of their visit.

September in Venice: art, lagoon and time for yourself

September is one of the most fascinating times of year to experience Venice. Alongside its cultural events, it is the perfect season to combine discovering the city with moments of tranquillity, following the slower rhythm of the lagoon.

And this is where a stay at Relais Alberti in Malamocco becomes part of the Venetian experience.

Away from the faster pace of the historic centre, Malamocco preserves the atmosphere of an ancient lagoon village, with its quiet streets, small squares, traditions and views over the water.

After a day spent discovering Homo Faber and Venetian craftsmanship, returning to the Lido means finding a slower rhythm and enjoying Venice without rushing.

Staying at Relais Alberti during Homo Faber

Choosing Relais Alberti for a September stay in Venice means bringing together two experiences: the contemporary creativity and exceptional craftsmanship of Homo Faber, and the history and authenticity of Malamocco.

A day can begin among the streets of Venice and continue on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, surrounded by installations, materials and works of art. At the end of the visit, return to the Lido, take a stroll through the village, enjoy dinner and allow yourself a moment of quiet.

Because Venice is not only about what you visit.

It is also about how you choose to experience it.

Homo Faber 2026: useful information

Where: Fondazione Giorgio Cini, San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Venice
When: 1–30 September 2026
Opening hours: every day, 10 am–7 pm
Last admission: 5 pm
Theme: An Island of Light
Artistic Director: Es Devlin
Full-price ticket: €16
Location: San Giorgio Maggiore Island, just a few minutes from St Mark’s Square

For updated information, the full programme and tickets, please visit the official Homo Faber website.