La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory, the contemporary patronage initiative championed by Starhotels since 2019 alongside Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d'Arte and Gruppo Editoriale, returns this autumn at three prestigious events celebrating Italian craftsmanship: Homo Faber, Venice Glass Week and Artigianato e Palazzo.
"With La Grande Bellezza, we aim to carry forward the precious legacy of enlightened patronage that has allowed Italian art and fine craftsmanship to flourish," says Elisabetta Fabri, President and CEO of Starhotels. "Offering artisans visibility and new stages on which to present their work is part of the cultural responsibility we embrace as a Group."
The La Grande Bellezza Award | Venice, 1 September–16 October
During Homo Faber, Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione will exhibit the ten finalist works of the third La Grande Bellezza Award, dedicated to the theme The Beauty of Utility. Selected from submissions spanning 14 Italian regions, the works range from furniture and lighting to textiles, tableware and decorative objects. The winner will receive a €10,000 prize, while the exhibition will remain open free of charge until 16 October.
Venice Glass Week | Venice, 12–20 September
Hotel Gabrielli will also open its doors during Venice Glass Week, showcasing its extraordinary collection of more than 700 Murano chandeliers and wall sconces, including works by Archimede Seguso and Pauly & C. Restored ahead of the hotel's 2025 reopening, the collection celebrates Venice's centuries-old glassmaking tradition.
Natura Aurea | Florence, 11–13 September
At Artigianato e Palazzo, Starhotels will present Natura Aurea by celebrated Faenza ceramic artist Antonietta Mazzotti Emaldi. Hosted in the Limonaia Grandi Maestri, the exhibition brings together works exploring mythology, nature and transformation through traditional ceramic techniques and materials including maiolica, pure gold leaf and glass.
