An exhibition opening at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice presents the story of a visionary figure who united contemporary artists with Murano’s renowned glassmakers. Running from November 14, 2026, to March 29, 2027, the show traces the evolution of this collaboration from the 1950s through the 1980s, revealing a distinctive approach to glass art that diverged from traditional commercial production.
This initiative began with an experimental phase that led to the establishment of the Fucina degli Angeli gallery. The gallery served as a platform to showcase the innovative results of these artist-glassblower partnerships. Over the following decades, the gallery played a pioneering role in Venice’s glassmaking scene, facilitating creative exchanges between more than 100 international artists and Murano’s master craftsmen.
The exhibition features over 100 works, including glass pieces, paintings, and sculptures, many of which have never been studied in depth before. These are displayed across 11 rooms organized by artist and theme, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the artistic dialogue between mediums. Notable figures whose works were translated into glass include Max Ernst, Oskar Kokoschka, Lucio Fontana, and Paul Jenkins.
Behind the scenes, the exhibition sheds light on the crucial support provided by Peggy Guggenheim. Her acquisitions helped sustain the gallery financially and enabled the international exposure of these glass artworks, including exhibitions across Europe and at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
The name “Fucina degli Angeli,” meaning “smithy of the angels,” was suggested by French artist and writer Jean Cocteau, a close collaborator. Cocteau also contributed designs and engaged directly with the glassmakers, reflecting the deep artistic integration that characterized the project. The Austrian Expressionist Oskar Kokoschka dedicated a sketch symbolizing the gallery’s spirit, underscoring the mutual fascination between artists and the medium of Murano glass.
This exhibition not only celebrates a unique artistic collaboration but also highlights the intersection of contemporary art and traditional craftsmanship, offering insights into how creative partnerships can transcend cultural and disciplinary boundaries.
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