Holy See Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale: “Opera Aperta”

DATE

29.05.2025

Located in the historic Casa di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, in Venice’s Castello district, the project was conceived as a space for encounter and learning, transforming a disused church into a social center and restoration school. The intervention was led by architects Tatiana Bilbao, Anna Puigjaner (MAIO Architects), and Marina Otero Verzier, under the direction of Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture.

The proposal is inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which advocates for the care of our common home and environmental sustainability. Instead of opting for a conventional architectural restoration, Opera Aperta seeks to recover the building’s social and cultural significance by actively involving the local community in its revitalization. The project included collaboration with Venetian associations, which participated in workshops and activities, strengthening the bond between the church and its surrounding neighborhood.

The pavilion received a special mention for its ability to demonstrate how architecture can be a tool for care, responsibility, and participation. The Biennale’s international jury praised the project for its innovative focus and positive impact on the local community. According to Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça, the initiative responds to the need for “bridge builders” who strengthen human relationships and care for the environment.

Opera Aperta marks an evolution in the Vatican’s participation in the Venice Biennale, moving away from isolated architectural interventions toward projects that promote social inclusion and community engagement. This initiative reflects the Church’s desire to be closer to the peripheries and to contribute actively to the well-being of society through architecture.

MARCH VALENCIA | ARQUITECTURA Y DISEÑO

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