A coup that immediately made the rounds in the world of fashion, art, and architecture: Dries Van Noten, one of the most influential designers on the international scene, has purchased the prestigious Pisani Moretta Palace in Venice, one of the most fascinating and historically rich buildings overlooking the Grand Canal. The deal, estimated at around $45 million (about 36 million euros), was confirmed to be completed at the end of May 2025 and represents much more than just a real estate investment: it is the manifesto of a new cultural vision that interweaves Venetian tradition with contemporary creativity, since Van Noten immediately announced that he intends to create a hub for craftsmanship within the building. It must be said, however, that since Pisani Moretta Palace is a listed property, the Ministry of Culture can still avail itself of the right of first refusal (there are two months).
Pisani Moretta Palace, built in the 15th century and enlarged in subsequent centuries, is considered one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic. Its façade, embellished with mullioned windows and decorations in Istrian stone, is mirrored in the waters of the Grand Canal, giving one of the most iconic images of the lagoon city. Inside, frescoes by masters such as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Jacopo Guarana, gilded stucco and Venetian terrazzo floors tell of centuries of pomp, receptions and meetings among nobles, artists and intellectuals. Until a few days ago, the palace was owned by siblings Maurizio and Gerolama Sammartini, descendants of the Pisani family, who restored it years ago.
In an official statement, Dries Van Noten expressed his excitement and respect for the palace’s history: “The project is about Venice, history, craftsmanship, culture and creating something contemporary with deep respect for what came before. It will be a platform for contemporary work.”
But the project goes far beyond restoration: the stated goal is to transform the palazzo into a true “home of craftsmanship,” a place where tradition and innovation meet. Van Noten envisions an open space where artists, designers, artisans and creative people can collaborate, experiment and give birth to new forms of expression. There will be workshops, temporary exhibitions, artist residencies, cultural events, and workshops dedicated to ancient Venetian techniques, from Murano glassmaking to brocade weaving to goldsmithing and handmade paper. The Belgian designer’s intent is to create a bridge between the past and the future, offering new opportunities to the younger generation of artisans and relaunching Venice as an international center of creative excellence.
The purchase of the palace comes at a time of great change for Dries Van Noten. After a nearly 40-year career and globally acclaimed collections, the designer presented his last show as creative director of the fashion house that bears his name during Paris Fashion Week in June 2025. The succession has been entrusted to Julian Klausner, formerly in charge of the womenswear line, which will make its official debut in March 2026 in Paris. Van Noten will, however, remain involved as a consultant, particularly for the beauty sector, thus ensuring a smooth transition that is true to the spirit of the brand.
This choice marks the beginning of a new phase in his career, in which fashion is increasingly intertwined with culture and the enhancement of heritage. It is no coincidence that it is in Venice, a city that symbolizes exchange, contamination and timeless beauty, that Van Noten has decided to invest energy and resources. Moreover, it seems he already has a home on the Grand Canal with partner Patrick Vangheluwe.
i broader that increasingly sees major players in fashion and design involved in the preservation and revitalization of historic places. In this case, however, the challenge is particularly ambitious: not only to restore an extraordinary building, but to make it an engine of innovation, education and dialogue between different disciplines. The public opening, it is rumored, is expected in September.
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| Venice, Dries Van Noten buys Palazzo Pisani Moretta: it will become a fashion and craft workshop |
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