HOMO FABER 2026: AN ISLAND OF LIGHT
Fondazione Giorgio Cini – San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Venice
From 1 to 30 September 2026, San Giorgio Maggiore Island becomes an international centre for fine craftsmanship with the fourth edition of Homo Faber Biennial, an event celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and the extraordinary ability of the human hand to transform materials.
The 2026 edition, entitled “An Island of Light”, is under the artistic direction of internationally renowned British artist and designer Es Devlin, known for her spectacular installations. Hosted at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, the event brings together more than 500 artisans from over 70 countries, presenting more than 700 handcrafted works.
The central theme of this edition is light, explored through its relationship with materials and the gestures of the artisan. Visitors will journey through 15 immersive installations created within the historic buildings and spaces of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, discovering techniques, materials and traditions from many different cultures around the world.
The exhibition takes inspiration from Venice itself and its lagoon. Just as individual islands come together to form an archipelago, the different personalities and talents of the participating artisans are brought together in a single narrative. Each preserves their own techniques, knowledge and creative identity, while sharing a common dedication to the value of craftsmanship.
Homo Faber also offers visitors the opportunity to see artisans at work during live demonstrations. These encounters provide a rare chance to observe techniques that usually remain hidden inside workshops and to appreciate the experience, precision and time required to create each object by hand.
Throughout September, visitors can also take part in interactive workshops, including experiences dedicated to two Japanese traditions: kintsugi, the art of repairing ceramics while highlighting their fractures, and the creation of hanko, traditional hand-carved Japanese seals.
Visitors will also be accompanied throughout the exhibition by 90 Young Ambassadors, international students from the fields of craftsmanship and design.
The experience continues beyond San Giorgio Maggiore with Homo Faber in Città, a programme spread throughout Venice that brings together artisan workshops, exhibitions and events celebrating the culture of craftsmanship.
The location itself makes the visit particularly memorable. From the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, overlooking the San Marco Basin, visitors can enjoy a completely different perspective of Venice, just a few minutes by boat from St Mark’s Square.
Dates: 1 – 30 September 2026
Venue: Fondazione Giorgio Cini, San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Venice
Artistic Director: Es Devlin
Full-price ticket: €16
Reduced ticket: €10
Free admission: available for eligible categories as specified by the organisers
How to get there: a free shuttle service from San Marco to San Giorgio Maggiore Island is available for Homo Faber visitors.
For further information, updates, tickets and the complete programme, please visit the official Homo Faber website.