In June 2024, Save Venice celebrated the remarkable culmination of its 18-year conservation campaign for the Church of San Sebastiano in Venice. This historic effort restored the church’s stunning 16th-century architecture, sculptures, and paintings, including masterpieces by Renaissance artist Paolo Veronese.
Funded by $3.8 million in contributions from over 100 donors, the campaign was a collaborative achievement involving Venice’s Ministry of Culture, the Catholic Diocese of Venice, and nearly two dozen restoration firms.
The celebratory weekend began with a Friday evening gathering at San Sebastiano, where donors and Venetian restorers admired the completed restoration. Remarks by Save Venice leaders and experts highlighted the project's significance, followed by a reception at Ca’ Rezzonico, Venice’s museum of 18th-century art. Guests also enjoyed a performance by the Venice Music Project.
Saturday featured exclusive tours of other recent restorations supported by Save Venice, including exhibits at Ca’ Rezzonico and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
That evening, guests dined at the Palladian villa La Malcontenta, hosted by Board member Ferigo Foscari. The dinner, held under frescoed ceilings, was an extraordinary highlight of the weekend.
The celebration concluded on Sunday with a private tour of a sister exhibition in Bassano del Grappa, showcasing prints and drawings connected to the campaign. Guests also enjoyed a farewell reception in Venice, capping a weekend that celebrated the enduring impact of Save Venice’s efforts and the generosity of its donor community.
A Note of Thanks:
This monumental achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors, whose generosity funded the campaign, and the expertise of Venice’s Ministry of Culture, the Catholic Diocese of Venice, and the nearly two dozen restoration firms who brought this vision to life. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the restoration of San Sebastiano, ensuring the preservation of this cultural treasure for generations to come.
