Imagine over 60 16th-century masterpieces still placed where they have been conceived for in a building that has been maintained in its original state since 1515. This is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, the former headquarters of a confraternity of wealthy citizens devoted to charity, which houses some of the most extraordinary Venetian Renaissance masterpieces: the pictorial cycle of Tintoretto, painted by the Venetian genius over a 10-year period, from 1564 to 1588, which is for Venice what the Sistine Chapel means for Rome.

Son of a dyer, Jacopo Robusti became famous with the name Tintoretto precisely in reference to his father’s profession (in Italian the word “tintore” means “dyer”). Still a child, his father Battista found him an apprenticeship in Titian’s workshop. The legend tells us that, when the Master sensed his talent, he saw him as a possible rival and fired the guy. Tintoretto did not give up: skillful entrepreneur and great marketing man, he began to work successfully by himself, taking on many important works such as the one for the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Almost 500 years later, this breathtaking lighting design project that allows us to admire Tntoretto’s art-works in all their original splendor, starting from the extraordinary 33 canvases conserved in the Chapter Room. The project, created by architect Alberto Pasetti Bombardella in partnership with iGuzzini, combines technology, research, and creativity, creating a truly unique sensorial experience. The contemporary project “merges” with the original lighting system created by Mariano Fortuny in 1937 that at the time was at the forefront of lighting technology. The atélier of the Spanish artist, inventor of indirect light used in theaters, is still located inside the homonymous gothic palace that was his home and absolutely deserves a visit.

For the lucky ones, the light show that from dark through light reveals the 33 canvases one by one, accompanied by the sound of music climax, it is simply unmissable. To agree on modalities and costs of this private visit with dynamic lighting, feel free to contact the Secretariat of the School.

Useful Info

Scuola Grande di San Rocco
San Polo, 3052
30125 Venezia
+39 041 52 34 864