PUNTA DELLA DOGANA

Located at the end of Dorsoduro, the Punta della Dogana (or Sea Customs) separates the Grand Canal from the Giudecca Canal. A customs post already existed in the 15th century, but the current building was rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. It was also called Punta della Trinità, because in the past there was a religious complex on this site. It was also called "Punta del Sal" because of the large number of salt warehouses (the only way to preserve food at the time) that were located in the Zattere. Before its creation, the only customs office in Venice was located near San Biagio, but it was insufficient to meet the growing needs of the controls. The Republic decided to set up a land customs office near Rialto, and a second one (called sea customs) at the tip of Dorsoduro. The latter's mission was to inspect the ships that stopped in the basin of San Marco, in front of the Doge's Palace. From 1677 to 1682, the buildings of the Customs House were rebuilt by Giovanni Benoni. Two bronze atlases adorn its roof, holding up a huge golden sphere, symbol of the World, topped by a weathervane, symbol of Fortune, which turns with the wind. Even today, listen to the clatter of its ingenious mechanism and the finesse of its construction!

The last exhibition space to be opened in Venice by François Pinault in June 2009, the Japanese architect Tadao Ando was commissioned to design this historic building, which the foundation has been granted a 33-year concession. An additional 5,000^{square meters of} space is now dedicated to contemporary art in the City of the Doges to accommodate large-scale works. Tadao Ando has succeeded in respecting the site with a design made of wood, brick and concrete, in perfectly harmonious shades. The lighting combines projector light, sidereal light coming from openings in the roof, and natural light coming from the Grand Canal on one side and the Giudecca Canal on the other. Large areas, beautiful volumes, a refined place combining lines and shapes to sublimate the spaces. A great success for this Venetian palace of a new kind, a pioneer of modernity. From the Punta della Dogana you can enjoy an exceptional view of the lagoon. This inspiring place has never ceased to fascinate artists over the centuries; let's quote Henri de Régnier: "In the lively wind of the lagoon, which directs it as it pleases, I have seen your fortune turn, O Dogana di Mare!