Set in a stunningly worn Baroque palazzo by the Grand Canal, Fondazione Prada showcases daring contemporary art exhibitions that constantly surprise visitors.
"This gloriously crumbling Baroque palazzo is the Venetian headquarters of Fondazione Prada. Much like the Italian fashion brand's designs, the artistic programming is bold, contemporary, and innovative. There is no permanent collection; instead, the three main floors of the palazzo are used as a project space for immersive exhibitions that often run concurrently with the Biennale. Sometimes, the foundation invites multiple artists to build installations that interact with the architecture; otherwise, curators will utilize every inch of the space to display a survey by one artist." - Andrea Whittle
"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? This gloriously crumbling Baroque palazzo is the Venetian headquarters of Fondazione Prada (the main exhibition space in Milan). Much like the Italian fashion brand's designs, the artistic programming is bold, contemporary, and innovative. The permanent collection: What do we have here? There is no permanent collection; instead, the three main floors of the palazzo, which has massive windows that look out onto the Grand Canal, are used as a project space for immersive exhibitions that often run concurrently with the Biennale (May to November). Sometimes, the foundation invites multiple artists to build installations that interact with the existing architecture; otherwise, curators will utilize every inch of the space—from the stairways to the outer courtyards—to display a survey by one artist, like they did with the Arte Povera master Jannis Kounellis in 2019. The effect is often dazzling—just being in the space feels special, and the programming is as well thought-out as that of any major museum. What did you make of the crowd? Fondazione Prada draws contemporary art aficionados. And since there's no permanent collection on view, you never know what you're going to get. But the architecture itself is worth a visit, even if you're not the type to subscribe to Artforum. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? This is a relatively small space, in museum terms, with three large, open floors. Most people gravitate toward the staircase, but there's an elevator that goes to each floor, and the space is fully accessible. There are plenty of places to sit, especially on the ground floor, where two long benches face each other just past the main staircase. Any guided tours worth trying? If you're really excited about the exhibition and want to have someone knowledgeable walk you through it, it might be worth it; otherwise, it's not necessary. But if you are planning to have a tour, book it at least 48 hours in advance. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? There's no dedicated gift shop. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? If you're visiting during the early days of the Biennale and the show has been getting a lot of buzz, you may find yourself waiting in line. Otherwise, you should be able to get in and out in an hour." - Andrea Whittle
