Beneath Murano’s skyline stands Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara. It’s a place where history dances with artistry. Once a sacred space, it has transformed into a vibrant hub for Venetian arts and culture.
The story of Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara begins in the early 14th century. Originally, it was part of the Augustinian convent dedicated to San Nicola della Torre. Around 1311, the convent stood in the Santo Stefano insula. Almost fifty years later, Benedictine nuns took over. Later, the Franciscan nuns of Santa Chiara of Treviso replaced them.
At the start of the 16th century, they began to restore the church. But fate intervened. During the early 1800s, Napoleon’s decree led to the closure of many monastic complexes. This included Santa Chiara.
In 1829, the Milanese company Fratelli Marietti bought the church. They started producing black glass bottles for wine. They also made window plates and glass bells. Both the church and cloister underwent significant changes. The bell tower was demolished. An arcade was added.
Barone Franchetti further altered Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara. He divided the church into two floors. He also raised the cloister to exploit it for glass production.
In 1919, it was renamed Cristallerie Murano. The cloister was completely demolished. Arches, columns, and other artistic artifacts were sold. In 1925, a new building with a portico was built. It offered a simpler entrance than the Franciscan one.
During the 1960s, the entire property was sold and divided among various owners. It was abandoned in the 90s. This followed the collapse of the roof after a fire.
In 2012, the Belluardo family purchased the ruins. They restored the church. In 2017, they reopened it to the public.
Today, Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara offers an authentic Murano glass experience. You can witness live glassmaking demonstrations by contemporary masters. The building allows a flexible use of spaces. The collapse of the roof highlighted problems. The north and south perimeter walls needed reconstruction. Also, a portion of the wooden floor of the church hall needed recomposition.
The new masonry is made with handmade bricks. These bricks are similar in composition to the originals. The intent is to distinguish the addition. It should not misrepresent the context. It aims for a pleasant relationship between the old and the new.
You can attend musical and theatrical performances here. Design your own perfumes. Browse a collection of real Murano glass.
The conservation and reuse project aims to preserve the architecture. It strengthens the building. It also uses the main rooms for art glass exhibitions. These pieces are created by local watchmakers. The goal is to combine Murano’s traditional craftsmanship with the historic church.
Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention. It shows how a historic structure can adapt. It continues to inspire. Its walls echo with stories of faith, industry, and art.