Ca' Scarpa, a new exhibition space in Treviso, celebrates Venetian architects Carlo Scarpa & his son, Tobia

Entrance to Ca' Scarpa - Photo: Cat Bauer

(Venice, Italy) A new exhibition space opens in Treviso celebrating the great Venetian architects, Carlo Scarpa, and his son, Tobia. The ancient church of Santa Maria Nova was suppressed under Napoleon, then went on to be used as a print warehouse for the Finance Authority. Thanks to Luciano Benetton, one of the co-founders of the Benetton Group, it was recently acquired by Edizione Property, and transformed into a spacious, contemporary cultural space under the guidance of Tobia Scarpa himself.

 

Tobia Scarpa in Ca' Scarpa - Photo: Cat Bauer

 

At the press conference, Tobia Scarpa was witty and wise, and at age 85, has the energy and bearing of a man 30 years younger. He quipped: "The man I called my father was an important architect. He gave me a strange name, a Greek name, a Hebrew name. He was my teacher." The lighting for which Tobia Scarpa is so well-known "perfectly illuminates the exhibits." The interior layout is clever and hip, incorporating elements of the ancient church into the open design.  

Ca' Scarpa interior - Photo: Cat Bauer

 

Since 1990, the Fondazione Benetton Studi Ricerche has instituted the International Carlo Scarpa Prize for Gardens, a campaign which recognizes sites throughout the world that are rich in natural, creative and historic values. The Scientific Committee of the Foundation provides guidelines for actions that increase knowledge, and safeguard and promote the site. This year the Scientific Committee unanimously selected two linked valleys in Cappadocia, Turkey -- the Rose and Red Valleys, or Güllüdere and Kızılçukur in Turkish. 

 

Cappadocia - Photo courtesy Fondazione Benetton

The inauguration of Ca' Scarpa opened with Güllüdere and Kızılçukur: The Rose Valley and the Red Valley in Cappadocia, a photographic exhibition of two valleys where early Christianity, followed by the Byzantium culture, left a rich history of hermit and monastic settlements, churches and sanctuaries scattered amongst the distinct Cappadocian landscape. Rock monuments and fairy chimneys carved by the forces of wind, water and volcanic eruptions were transformed into places of Christian worship -- I have been to Cappadocia myself, and was astounded by the paintings and frescoes of early Christianity preserved inside the rock walls and apiaries. 

Premio Internazionale Carlo Scarpa per il Giardino

seal designed by Carlo Scarpa

 

The 2020 International Carlo Scarpa Prize for Gardens has been awarded to the art historian Maria Andaloro, who has traveled between Italy and Cappadocia since 2006, and is the promoter and director of the research mission organized by the Università della Tuscia. The Prize expresses support for all the people working in Cappadocia to safeguard and raise awareness of a special heritage rich in meaning and teachings. 

 

Interior Ca' Scarpa - Photo: Marco Zanta, courtesy Fondazione Benetton

 

Treviso is a 30 to 40-minute train ride from Venice, depending if you catch the fast train or the local. It is nicknamed "the garden of Venice" for its greenery, and was a favorite vacation spot for Venice's nobility. Ca' Scarpa is a pleasant 10-minute stroll from the train station, with plenty of shops and eateries along the way.  

 

Güllüdere and Kızılçukur: la Valle delle Rose e la Valle Rossa in Cappadocia, curated by Patrizia Boschiero and Luigi Latini, organized by Fondazione Benetton in Ca' Scarpa, the former Church of Santa Maria Nova, runs through January 10, 2021, Thursday and Friday from 3pm to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 8pm, with free admission. Go to the Fondazione Benetton Studi Ricerche for more information.

Ciao from Venezia,

Cat Bauer

Venetian Cat - The Venice Blog