13 – 21 September 2025
Venice, Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo

Organized by Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia
with Via delle Spezie

Europe’s undisputed protagonist in the considerable trade with the East between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, Venice bears an invaluable historical, cultural and artistic legacy. Enormous quantities of oriental spices arrived at the Rialto market: cloves, ginger, coriander, cardamom, saffron, and, above all, black pepper – so rare and precious that, since 408 BC, it had served as a true currency.
It even earned the nickname ‘black gold’. Once inspected and priced by the Messeri del pepe (officials of the Republic), the pepper and other spices were packaged and sold in what became known as “Venetian bags”.
Yet their use extended far beyond gastronomy. Thanks to the many properties of their essential oils, spices played a fundamental role in pharmacology, herbal medicine and perfumery.

In its role as a training academy devoted to elevating spices into a complete sensory and cultural experience, Via delle Spezie presents a new artistic creation for The Venice Glass Week 2025. The project offers not only a journey back into the atmosphere of mercantile Venice, but also celebrates the beauty and mastery of two ancient arts that have made the city renowned worldwide: Murano glassmaking and artistic weaving on original eighteenth-century looms.

Admission to the exhibition with the Museum’s hours and ticket.

L'articolo Exhibition proviene da Museo di Palazzo Palazzo Mocenigo.