Segmenti” by Mauro Bonaventura at Caffè Florian Venice: Glass and Art in Dialogue

The exhibition “Segmenti” by Mauro Bonaventura at Caffè Florian Venice celebrates the meeting of glass art and contemporary vision.
A poetic exploration of form, light and fragility, revealing the strength and delicacy of the human spirit.

The Artist: Mauro Bonaventura and the Language of Glass

Born and raised in Murano, Mauro Bonaventura is one of the most respected names in the world of contemporary glass art.
Since the 1990s, he has worked with borosilicate glass, a material that allows him to explore the balance between fragility and strength, motion and stillness.

Using the lampworking technique, Bonaventura creates intricate structures made of thin glass filaments that twist, expand and float as if suspended in air.

His sculptures — sometimes figurative, sometimes abstract — evoke emotion and invite contemplation. Exhibited in galleries across Europe, America, and Asia, his works remain deeply connected to Venetian craftsmanship, where art and tradition coexist in harmony.

“Segmenti”: A Path of Balance and Transparency

The exhibition “Segmenti”, hosted in the historic halls of Caffè Florian, presents a series of glass sculptures that reveal Bonaventura’s refined dialogue with the material.
Each piece is composed of hundreds of delicate glass threads, patiently fused together to form intricate shapes that play with light and reflection.

The idea of the “segment” becomes a metaphor for life itself: fragments that, when united, create a harmonious whole.

Balance, movement and transparency are the true protagonists of the exhibition, inviting visitors to look closely at the glass and discover how behind every curve or weave lies a story of skill, time and passion.

As they stroll through the historic Rooms of Caffè Florian, visitors find themselves immersed in a dialogue between past and present: Bonaventura’s contemporary works converse with the 18th-century elegance of the rooms and furnishings, creating a captivating visual contrast.

Caffè Florian: Where Art and Culture Meet in Venice

Founded in 1720, Caffè Florian is far more than a historic Coffeehouse, it is a living museum where art and culture find their natural home.

Over the centuries, its rooms have hosted exhibitions, performances and installations, bringing together artists and visitors from all over the world.
By welcoming “Segmenti”, Caffè Florian continues its long tradition as a cultural meeting point, where contemporary creativity dialogues with Venetian heritage and craftsmanship.

Discover more about the history and spirit of this extraordinary place in Caffè Florian: a journey through Venetian history and art.

Venetian Glass: An Eternal Connection Between Light and Craft

Venetian glass is one of the city’s most iconic treasures, admired and collected all over the world.
In the Murano furnaces, generations of artisans have transformed sand and fire into art, giving life to chandeliers, vases, sculptures and delicate objects that embody centuries of skill and imagination.
Each creation — whether a traditional goblet or a bold contemporary artwork — carries a story of light, patience, and craftsmanship.

Explore the connection between glass, art, and contemporary vision in Venice Glass Week 2025: Glass, Art and Contemporary Vision in the Heart of Venice

Art as an Experience of Light

Visiting Caffè Florian during the “Segmenti” exhibition is not only an artistic encounter, it’s a multisensory experience.
The aroma of freshly ground coffee, the sound of live music played by the Florian’s orchestra and the reflections of glass sculptures create an atmosphere that blends elegance, culture, and timeless beauty.