Fortuny Palazzina

Strolling through the Carnavalet Museum in Paris in 1927, esteemed New York interior designer Elsie McNeill Lee encountered Fortuny’s fabrics for the first time. Captivated by their beauty, she became Fortuny’s sole distributor. After his passing, Elsie managed the company for over forty years. In 1959, she married Italian Count Alvise Gozzi and became Countess Elsie Lee Gozzi.

Elsie moved to Venice, making her home in a building facing the canal on the island of Giudecca, adjacent to what is now part of the iconic Fortuny headquarters. This building, where the factory is still the heart of the Fortuny ecosystem, was restored between 1958 and 1961. 

Original drawings of the first restoration project, 1958

For the restoration, Elsie collaborated with modern geniuses, including architect Luigi Vietti, who designed the iconic stairway. She transformed the building next to the factory into her residence, turning it into a vibrant hub for artists, designers, and architects from around the world—a modern-day salon and an embassy for interior designers.

Elsie McNeill (left) - Luigi vietti stairway (right)

In the late 1980s, the Countess entrusted her longtime confidante, Maged Riad, with Fortuny’s legacy. The Palazzina became the private home of Riad’s sons, Mickey and Maury.

Entrance of the palazzina: Riad's family private home, before 2024

FORTUNY + CHAHAN

Fast forward to April 2024, Fortuny opens the doors of the Countess' house to the world for the first time in its new role. It now aims to foster connections with interior professionals and artists, collaborating with Fortuny to spark innovative ideas that will shape the future of living.

FORTUNY + CHAHAN inaugurates and celebrates Fortuny Palazzina’s legacy as a cultural exchange center. Fortuny collaborated with interior designer Chahan Minassian to restore and reimagine the former house of Countess Gozzi. Chahan's expertise seamlessly weaves contemporary elements with Fortuny's fabrics, crafted by artisans at the original factory established by Spanish artist and inventor Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo in 1921. Fortuny has enriched the city’s artistic heritage for over a century, and this collaboration embodies the seamless blend of tradition and innovation.

 SEBASTIEN VERONESE (1,3,4,5,6) - LUCA FONTANA (2)

It feels like a treasure trove, where every item tells a story, and visitors become part of that story simply by being there. It’s a place where the timeless beauty of old Venice meets the innovation and excitement of the new.

Visitors can discover ever-evolving displays that highlight the integration of Fortuny’s craftsmanship with Chahan’s curation, offering a rare opportunity to experience art, design, and culture in one of the world’s most unique and beloved cities. Furnishings and objects will be available for acquisition, allowing guests to bring home a piece of Venetian living.

Fortuny Palazzina is more than just a venue; it embodies Fortuny’s vision and invites visitors to experience the art of Venetian living.