Did you know that there is a hidden treasure in Venice that tells centuries of theatrical history?
If you are passionate about art and culture, you cannot miss the opportunity to discover the Vendramin Fund on display at the Carlo Goldoni House.

In this post, I invite you to immerse yourself in a fascinating story of documents, theatre and tradition.

THE VENDRAMIN FUND, THE HEART OF VENETIAN THEATRE

From 31 January 2025 to 25 January 2026, the Casa di Carlo Goldoni in Venice will host one of the most precious heritages of Venetian cultural history: the Fondo Vendramin, a collection that spans the centuries and sheds light on the birth and evolution of the Teatro San Luca, today known as the Teatro Goldoni.

A journey through documents and theatre history

The exhibition itinerary of the Casa di Carlo Goldoni is enriched with a selection of documents from the Vendramin Fund, from the museum’s Theatre Library. This collection includes over 160 archival units, covering a period from 1448 to 1871, offering a unique picture of the glorious past of the San Luca Theatre, founded in 1622. The theatre, known today as Teatro Goldoni, is still active and a symbol of the Venetian cultural scene.

Among the materials on display, there are documents that are fundamental to understanding the management of the theatre, the relationship between the Vendramin family and Carlo Goldoni, and the historical period in which his most famous comedies were born.
This collection is much more than just an archive: it is an open window on an era of great cultural ferment.

The Vendramin family: protagonists of the theatre scene

The documents on display highlight the crucial role of the Vendramin family in the history of Venetian theatres.
The family, enrolled in the Venetian patriciate in 1381, owned the Teatro San Luca for over three centuries, until the complex was purchased by the Venice City Council in 1956.
Among the most precious pieces in the collection are original contracts between Goldoni and the nobleman Francesco Vendramin, impresario of the theatre, and approximately thirty autograph letters from the playwright.

These documents recount the dynamics of theatre management, collaborations with companies and actors, and the historical context in which the most famous comedies were staged. Among the letters and contracts emerge the names of famous comedians such as Antonio Sacchi and Giuseppe Imer, who contributed to making the Teatro San Luca a landmark.

A heritage accessible to all

The Vendramin Fund is not only a collection of ancient documents, but a living resource, constantly enhanced through digitisation projects, thematic exhibitions and educational activities.
The Theatre Library of Carlo Goldoni’s House and the Correr Museum Library safeguard this treasure, which can be consulted by scholars and enthusiasts.

Chiara Squarcina, scientific director of MUVE, emphasised how the study of the Vendramin Fund represents a unique opportunity to understand the roots of the Venetian theatre tradition and its impact on the European scene.
This valorisation effort aims to make the heritage accessible to new audiences as well.

Guided tours and educational activities

For those who wish to explore further, every Thursday and Friday at 11.30 a.m. it is possible to take part in guided tours led by curator Ilaria Peruzzet. The visits include the museum, the exhibition and the Theatre Library, offering a complete and immersive experience.

For reservations and information, please visit the official website: carlogoldoni.visitmuve.it.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore a fundamental chapter of Venetian culture.
The history of theatre and its great figures is waiting to be discovered!