Palazzo Barovier&Toso

In Murano, the exclusive palazzo that is a festival of light in all its infinite interpretations. An interior design project by Calvi Brambilla, spanning innovation and tradition, art and design.

For centuries the island of Murano has been home to the most famous glassmakers in the world. On the banks of its historic canal, the Rio dei Vetrai, Barovier&Toso – the oldest name of all – is making history once again with the creation of a veritable temple to luxury, a unique centre where visitors can admire the majesty of its creations. Palazzo Barovier&Toso is housed in an original Venetian palazzo dating back to 1920, located in Fondamenta Manin 1/D, just a stone’s throw from the historic seat of the company, carefully renovated and sumptuously restored by Calvi Brambilla architects.

The project celebrates Barovier&Toso’s seven hundredyear tradition of skill and craftsmanship, combined with the exclusive luxury of its stunning chandeliers. Covering over nine hundred square meters over three floors, Palazzo Barovier&Toso is a unique experience designed to celebrate the sophistication of this unique Made in Italy brand: an exclusive showcase in which every detail has been carefully considered to best showcase the timeless luxury of the world’s most famous Murano chandeliers. The result is not just a showroom, but a carefully curated space in which Barovier&Toso’s majestic creations transfigure a series of sophisticated settings to create a stunning, atmospheric experience. Under the stewardship of Calvi Brambilla architects, the interior of the historic palazzo has been completely renovated, while maintaining the original design of the façade.

“To create Palazzo Barovier&Toso, we envisaged a space in which past and present – the two essential elements of the company – could coexist,” comments Paolo Brambilla. “We have found a way to bring together a modern, minimalist interior design concept with the majesty of Murano glass, celebrating it in an atmosphere of calm, filled with light and reflection,” adds Fabio Calvi.

At the heart of the project is a modern reinterpretation of the architectural elements typically associated with these ancient palaces, once home to Venice’s noble families: from wood panelling to Venetian Terrazzo floors, the layout of the rooms across the different levels, or the single colour chosen to decorate every room and every feature in it. A choice that becomes the leitmotif of the building, establishing a consistent visual experience, enhanced by works of art by Jason Martin, Brigitte Kowanz and Astrid Krogh on display in the upper floors in tribute to the Venice Biennal.
 

The ground floor, dedicated to a reception and shopping area, features black tones and suffused lighting: in perfect Barovier&Toso style, the display area is imbued with an intimate, exclusive feel where guests can marvel over a selection of chandeliers, suspension lights and table lamps. 

A gilt staircase connects the three floors of the Palazzo, opening on to a double-height space, which is home to the Taif, an immense chandelier designed in 1980 for one of the residences of the King of Saudi Arabia. An iconic chandelier of colossal proportions, the Taif is the ultimate embodiment of Barovier&Toso craftsmanship, earning this exquisite piece a place of honour in which it can be appreciated in all its glory.

On the first floor, in a series of monochrome rooms – white, gold, blue, black and red respectively – the story of Barovier&Toso is told through its most prestigious collections, representing the creative freedom that has made them unique in shape, colour and composition.

On the second and final floor, in a room with a wooden-trussed ceiling, is a series of larger chandeliers in classic, modern and contemporary styles. The setting is airy and minimalist: nothing detracts from the lights and the fascinating play of a thousand reflections on the Murano glass. The experience concludes in a bar area, where guests can enjoy a colourful display of blown glass and the different elements used to make a chandelier, and a large café in pink hues chosen to illustrate the considerable contract potential of the brand – a potential that has already led to exclusive partnerships with luxury hotel chains, boutiques, government offices and public spaces throughout the world.

“We are proud to announce the opening of Palazzo Barovier&Toso,” comments company president, Rinaldo Invernizzi. “This is a project that is very dear to our hearts and which confirms our commitment to a policy of continuous growth and internationalisation. Through this aim, we celebrate our history, our workers and the extraordinary masterpieces they create in glass, a winning combination of innovation and tradition, art and design.”

Palazzo Barovier&Toso is undergoing an ambitious brand-building programme, which last year brought a complete update of the brand’s identity, including a new logo reconceived in the brand’s corporate colours, new social media channels and a state-of-the-art website.