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Words: Tom KingtonProducer: Louise Starkey
Venice landmark opens its doors after 500 years
Stretching the length of St Mark's Square in Venice, the Procuratie Vecchie is one of the world's most photographed buildings.
Yet few among the millions of tourists who stop for a snap have an inkling of what it is or what goes on inside. But in April, that's all about to change.
For the first time in 500 years, the 150-yard-long building — being transformed by British architect Sir David Chipperfield — will open its doors to the public.
The partly abandoned Procuratie Vecchie has undergone extensive refurbishment, an army of workers installing exhibition spaces and restoring its Renaissance-era wooden beams and 200-year-old gilt ceilings.
Picture: Generali | Martino Lombezzi 
With a new 200-seat auditorium and roof terrace offering views to the snow-capped Dolomites, the building will act as a space for exhibitions, charities, refugee start-ups, a cafe and artists' studios.
Picture: Generali | Martino Lombezzi 
"This was a private world and it is a pleasure to turn it into a public place."
David Chipperfield
British architect | Rebuilt the Neues Museum in Berlin
The plans for the building are a stark departure from the centuries when it was occupied by Venice's nine procurators, drawn from the city's richest families, and who represented the wealth, privilege and power that made the maritime empire tick.
Completed in 1532 with 52 arches at ground level and more than 300 windows above, the Procuratie Vecchie was matched in the 16th century by a twin building in the piazza, where the Caffe Florian later served coffee to Casanova and Lord Byron.
The shorter, west end of the square was closed in 1810 by a third building put up by Napoleon, who conquered Venice and brought the 1100-year-old republic to an end.
"We hope to bring the piazza back to life, that kind of life which does not simply revolve around tourism."
Philippe Donnet
Generali chief executive
Swipe up for more information on the refurbishment of the Procuratie Vecchie.																															

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/web-stories/free/the-australian/venice-landmark-opens-its-doors-after-500-years