Until January 25, 2026, the Casa di Carlo Goldoni (Carlo Goldoni’s House) presents “Il fondo Vendramin” (the Vendramin Collection), an exhibition curated by Chiara Squarcina, Ilaria Peruzzet, and Monica Viero. This immersive display offers a rare glimpse into the rich theatrical legacy of Venice through the extraordinary archival collection of the ancient Teatro di San Luca, now the Teatro Goldoni.
The Teatro di San Luca, founded in 1622 by the patrician Vendramin family, was one of the most enduring theaters in Venice, remaining active for centuries. The Vendramins—wealthy, influential, and deeply invested in the arts—chose to rebuild their estate after a devastating fire by constructing a theater, a decision that would shape the cultural history of the city.
The exhibition focuses on the Vendramin Fund, a treasure trove of documents illuminating the vibrant theatrical life of the 17th and 18th centuries. It includes records of the theater’s founding, restorations, contracts with actors, and detailed correspondence. Of particular note are the original contracts and around thirty handwritten letters from Carlo Goldoni to Francesco Vendramin, providing invaluable insight into the playwright’s career and the dynamics of Venetian theater.
Visitors can explore the connections between Goldoni and other iconic performers of the time—Antonio Sacchi, Giuseppe Imer, and more—through legal documents, financial records, inventories, and lists of performed plays. Il fondo Vendramin is not only a journey into Goldoni’s world but also a tribute to Venice’s enduring theatrical tradition.
Website: www.visitmuve.it
Location: Carlo Goldoni’s House, Venice
Schedule: until Jan. 25, 2026
