Negozio Olivetti

Beneath the elegant arches of Piazza San Marco, nestled within the Procuratie Vecchie, lies the Negozio Olivetti. A hidden gem of modern design, it stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of Adriano Olivetti. The Negozio Olivetti was more than just a showroom. It was a statement, a bold proclamation of Olivetti’s vision for a future where technology and beauty could coexist. In 1957, the dark and narrow space was entrusted to the Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa. Scarpa, with his unique blend of tradition and modernity, transformed it into a luminous sanctuary for Olivetti’s typewriters and calculating machines. Scarpa didn’t shy away from the challenges of the space. Instead, he embraced them, turning limitations into opportunities. He carved openings to allow the Venetian light to flood in, highlighting the sleek lines of the Olivetti machines. A sculpture, “Nudo al sole” by Alberto Viani, graces the entrance, its bronze form catching the light. The centerpiece of the Negozio Olivetti is the staircase. A masterpiece of design, it seems to float in mid-air. Its irregular steps, suspended by exposed screws, lead the eye upwards, creating a sense of dynamic movement. Scarpa’s attention to detail extended to the materials he chose. Aurisina marble, rosewood, African teak, and metal combine with traditional Venetian stucco and mosaics. This fusion of materials reflects the Negozio Olivetti’s unique position at the intersection of history and innovation. The showroom became a stage for Olivetti’s cutting-edge technology. Typewriters and calculating machines, testaments to the company’s commitment to both functionality and aesthetics, were displayed on rosewood shelves with stainless steel supports. The Negozio Olivetti offered a glimpse into Adriano Olivetti’s philosophy. A philosophy that embraced not just technology but also art, culture, and the well-being of his workers. After years of neglect, the Negozio Olivetti was restored by Assicurazioni Generali. In 2011, they entrusted its care to FAI. Today, the Negozio Olivetti stands as a museum, a tribute to the vision of Adriano Olivetti and the genius of Carlo Scarpa. It reminds us that even in the most historic of settings, there’s always room for innovation and beauty.