Murano glass put to the test by contemporary art

Murano glass is one of Venice’s oldest traditions of excellence. For centuries, master glassmakers have preserved techniques passed down from generation to generation, transforming glassmaking into an art form recognised throughout the world. From 12 July to 22 November 2026, Venice and Murano will host a new edition of GLASSTRESS, the project conceived by Adriano Berengo in 2009 as a collateral event of the Venice Biennale. Organised by the Berengo Foundation, the exhibition is spread across the historic Palazzo Ca’ Tron, on the Grand Canal, and the Berengo Foundation Art Space in Murano, reaffirming its status as one of the most fascinating events dedicated to artistic research into glass.

The 2026 edition, curated by Joanna De Vos and Umberto Croppi, features 65 international artists and designers who have been invited to collaborate with the master glassmakers at Berengo Studio. Among them are over twenty new artists, many of whom are working with glass for the first time, exploring its potential through innovative experiments. This presents an opportunity to open up new avenues of experimentation at the intersection of contemporary art and traditional craftsmanship. The exhibition brings together sculptures, installations, performances and design projects, showcasing the great versatility of glass as an artistic medium. The material is gradually transformed into light and colour, altering our perception of space and form. Each work reveals a deep connection with craftsmanship, linking the heritage of the Murano glassworks with artistic research of an international scope.

The exhibition features works by leading artists such as Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei, Judy Chicago, Tony Cragg, Cornelia Parker, Jaume Plensa, Laure Prouvost, Chiharu Shiota, Joana Vasconcelos, Erwin Wurm, Adrian Paci and Vanessa Beecroft, alongside numerous key figures on the contemporary art scene from different cultural backgrounds. Since its inception, GLASSTRESS has helped to redefine the role of glass in contemporary art, taking the project to major international museums. The Berengo Foundation thus continues its commitment to promoting Venetian tradition through engagement with contemporary creativity.