Museum Palazzo Fortuny

Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo. Self-portrait, 1935.

An interior view of Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei ©Massimo Listri

Original Fortuny textiles exhibited at the Palazzo ©Massimo Listri

The Fortuny library ©Massimo Listri

The winter garden ©Massimo Listri

A theatre model designed by Mariano Fortuny ©Massimo Listri

Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei, the main hall ©Massimo Listri

Interiors at Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei ©Massimo Listri

At the end of the 19th century, Mariano Fortuny acquired palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei, a 15th century Palazzo in the center of Venice. The eclectic Mariano Fortuny was a painter, photographer, stage set designer, inventor and business man. With his wife Henriette Nigrin he founded Fortuny textiles. They used their home as a laboratory where local artisans would work in ateliers and on printing presses, turning the couple’s visionary designs into reality.  

Eleonroa Duse and Isidora Duncan used to wear the Fortuny Delphos silk dress and Marcel Proust wrote about it In Search for Lost Time.  

Many of the couple’s inventions can be admired at the beautiful palazzo. The Fortuny museum is one of Venice’ more quiet sights and a wonderful way to delve into the city’s rich history.  

Website: https://fortuny.visitmuve.it/en/il-museo/museum/building-and-history/

Opening time 10am-5pm. Last admission 4pm
Closed on Tuesday