The Pinault Collection, owned by French billionaire François Pinault, is a renowned collection of contemporary art that has been displayed in some of the most prestigious museums and galleries around the world. One of the most notable venues for the collection is Punta della Dogana, a former customs house located in Venice, Italy.
Punta della Dogana is situated at the point where the Grand Canal meets the Giudecca Canal, and has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The building was designed by architect Giuseppe Benoni and was originally used to store goods that were being imported into Venice. In the late 19th century, it was converted into a customs house and remained in operation until the 1980s.
In 2007, François Pinault purchased Punta della Dogana, with the intention of turning it into a museum to house his extensive art collection. The building underwent a major renovation, overseen by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, and was opened to the public in 2009.
Today, the Pinault Collection – Punta della Dogana is a must-see destination for art lovers visiting Venice. The museum boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art, including works by some of the most celebrated artists of our time. Visitors can expect to see pieces by Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and many other well-known names.
One of the standout features of Punta della Dogana is its stunning interior design. Tadao Ando's renovation has transformed the space into a modern masterpiece, with clean lines, stark white walls, and ample natural light. The building's original brickwork has been preserved, adding a touch of history to the otherwise minimalist space.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Pinault Collection – Punta della Dogana also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibits showcase works by emerging artists, as well as established names in the contemporary art world. Recent exhibitions have included "Mapping the Studio", which featured works by Bruce Nauman, and "Slip of the Tongue", a group show curated by Danh Vo.
Visitors to Punta della Dogana can also take advantage of the museum's guided tours, which offer a deeper insight into the collection and the history of the building itself. The museum's location at the edge of Venice's historic city centre also makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city's many other cultural treasures.
Overall, the Pinault Collection – Punta della Dogana is a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in contemporary art or architecture. The museum's impressive collection, stunning interior design, and prime location make it one of Venice's top attractions.
5 Examples:
- "François Pinault's Contemporary Art Collection Comes to Venice's Punta della Dogana" - This article by Artsy was published in 2009, shortly after the museum's opening. It provides an overview of the collection and the building's history.
- "Venice: Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana Reopen with Exhibitions of Historic and Contemporary Art" - This article by The Art Newspaper was published in 2013 and highlights some of the museum's temporary exhibitions at the time.
- "Jeff Koons' monumental sculptures unveiled in Venice" - This article by The Guardian was published in 2017 and covers the unveiling of Koons' sculpture "Seated Ballerina" outside the museum.
- "The Pinault Collection’s Space for Contemporary Art in Venice" - This article by The Culture Trip was published in 2019 and provides a detailed look at the museum's architecture and design.
- "Venice's Pinault Collection to open in December after two-year closure" - This article by The Art Newspaper was published in 2021 and discusses the museum's reopening after a two-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
