Homo Faber 2026 arrives to the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Le Stanze della Fotografia hosts one of the Biennial's exhibitions

From 1 to 30 September 2026, the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore once again becomes the international centre of contemporary craftsmanship with Homo Faber 2026. An Island of Light, the fourth edition of the Biennial dedicated to fine contemporary craftsmanship, promoted by the Michelangelo Foundation and under the artistic direction of Es Devlin.

Inspired by the archipelago of the Venetian lagoon, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the profound relationship between light, materials, and the human hand through an immersive journey featuring 15 installations set within the historic spaces of Fondazione Giorgio Cini. More than 700 works, created by over 500 artisans from more than 70 countries, celebrate the richness of contemporary craftsmanship, bringing together tradition, innovation, and creativity.

For this edition, Le Stanze della Fotografia joins the Homo Faber exhibition route by hosting one of the Biennial's exhibitions within its galleries. This collaboration further strengthens the dialogue between photography, applied arts, and design culture, reinforcing the role of the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore as a meeting place for disciplines, artistic languages, and creative practices.

With her distinctive scenographic vision, Es Devlin has created a narrative inspired by the islands of the Venetian lagoon: each artisan becomes an island of talent within a global archipelago of skills and knowledge. Through the use of water, mirrors, reflections, movement, and light, the exhibition guides visitors beyond the finished objects to discover the gestures, tools, workshops, and materials that make their creation possible.

Alongside the exhibition, Homo Faber 2026 offers a rich programme of live demonstrations, participatory workshops, culinary experiences, and guided tours, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage closely with traditional crafts and to discover the work of some of the world's leading contemporary artisans.

Homo Faber 2026. An Island of Light
Artistic Director: Es Devlin
Presented by: Michelangelo Foundation

1–30 September 2026
San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Venice