A model of excellence in public-private partnership
Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze | Palazzo Corsini, 26 September – 4 October 2026
The Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Veneto and Fondazione Venetian Heritage are participating as guests in the 34th edition of the Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze, taking place at Palazzo Corsini from September 26 to October 4, 2026, with the presentation of one of the most significant masterpieces from the collection of the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro: the Belvedere Apollo by Pier Jacopo Alari Bonacolsi, known as l’Antico. The presentation of this remarkable work on this occasion aims to draw attention to the major restoration and reinstallation project of the museum supported by Venetian Heritage, which includes joint efforts to promote and enhance the Ca’ d’Oro’s artistic heritage.
The museum’s displays date back to the 1970s and need a complete revision. The project aims to make the permanent collection artworks more enjoyable and accessible to all, transforming the museum into a lively space in step with the times. The project includes the restoration of the interior plasterwork, fifteenth-century wooden ceilings, windows, loggias, and Venetian terrazzo floors, as well as the installation of new display cases and exhibition systems. It also includes the complete replacement of the climate-control and lighting systems throughout the monumental complex, along with the creation of a new entrance, staircase, and visitor facilities.
This ambitious project, whose total cost exceeds €10 million, is funded by Venetian Heritage in collaboration with the Fondazione Giulio e Giovanna Sacchetti. The works, which began in 2023, will be completed in 2027.
The special exhibition at the Biennale, made possible by the museum’s temporary closure for renovation works, offers an opportunity to present one of the Ca’ d’Oro’s masterpieces to the public while, at the same time, highlighting a significant example of public-private collaboration in the protection, conservation, and promotion of Italy’s cultural heritage.
Venetian Heritage gratefully acknowledges the generous support of ARTE Generali and Arteria as technical sponsors.
Belvedere Apollo by l’Antico
Likely executed between 1498 and 1502 for the Gonzaga family, this bronze statuette is a refined reinterpretation of the celebrated ancient sculpture now in the Vatican Museums. Rather than simply reducing the scale of the original, Antico reconstructed its missing parts and refined its composition, transforming the classical model into one of the great masterpieces of Renaissance bronze sculpture. The Ca’ d’Oro example is distinguished by its exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite fire gilding, and precious silver inlays.
Part of the Gonzaga collections for centuries, the statuette entered the Venetian public collections in the eighteenth century through the bequest of Domenico Pasqualigo. It has been housed at the Ca’ d’Oro since 1926.
Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro
The Ca’ d’Oro, one of the most prestigious late Gothic palaces in Venice, houses the important art collection of Baron Giorgio Franchetti (1865-1922), who in 1916 donated his collections and the building itself to the Italian State, after having restored it to its former glory. The Baron’s collection – including paintings, sculpture, medals, bronzes, furniture, and tapestries – was expanded over the years, beginning with the inauguration of the Galleria through the addition of Renaissance works from deconsecrated or dismantled religious institutions and from other National museums in Venice.
Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro is a National Museum that belongs to the Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Veneto – Italian Ministry of Culture.
cadoro.org
museiveneto.cultura.gov.it
Venetian Heritage
Venetian Heritage, an international non-profit organization, supports cultural projects through conservation, exhibitions, publications, conferences, academic study, and research. The organization aims to increase awareness of the immense legacy of Venetian art in Italy and those areas once part of the Republic of Venice.
venetianheritage.eu
Press Office
Valentina Farace
Fondazione Venetian Heritage
vf@venetianheritage.com
+39340555221
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