Venice Design Week 2026: the theme “100” spreads across the city

The “100” theme and a city-wide Design Week

Venice Design Week uses Venice as a network of venues rather than a single fair hall. In 2026 the theme “100” connects exhibitions, talks, guided tours and workshops from 9 to 18 October. For visitors, the easiest strategy is to combine a few events by area, language and timing.

9 October: official presentation at IUAV

The Venice Design Week 2026 presentation is scheduled for Friday 9 October at 11:00 AM in the Aula Magna, Tolentini – IUAV, Santa Croce 191. It is a useful starting point for understanding the theme and planning the rest of the programme.

VDW Interior Design – Home Accessories

The exhibition at Combo Venezia, Campo dei Gesuiti 4878, runs 9–18 October, daily 10:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00–6:00 PM. Two published guided tours are especially useful for international visitors: 9 October at 3:00 PM in Italian and English, and 16 October at 12:00 PM in English. Reservation is required; check current availability on the official website.

VDW Light Selection at Palazzo Nani

VDW Light Selection is hosted on the piano nobile of Palazzo Nani – Radisson Collection Hotel, Fondamenta Cannaregio 1105. Published tours include 14 October at 3:30 PM in Italian and English and 18 October at 10:30 AM in English. Reservation is required, so verify availability before your visit.

Geographies of Tableware at Ca’ Pesaro

“Geographies of Tableware – Contemporary Design between Europe and Asia” is at the Museum of Oriental Art, Ca’ Pesaro, from 29 September to 8 November 2026, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Mondays, with museum ticket required. VDW also lists guided visits; re-check the current date, language and reservation details before going.

For practical museum information, see our guide to Ca’ Pesaro.

I DON’T SHINE, I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

This contemporary jewellery exhibition is at Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Wonder Q Room / Libreria Giovanni, Castello 5252, from 9 to 25 October. Published hours are 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. Admission is free. Meet the Designers is listed for 11 October at 10:30 AM.

For venue details, see our guide to Fondazione Querini Stampalia.

Two FabLab Venezia workshops in Mestre

Two workshops are particularly convenient for guests based in Marghera: FabLab Venezia x Plug&Display on 12 October at 6:00 PM and FabLab Venezia x Crash Baggage on 13 October at 5:00 PM, both at The HuB – Human Bits in Mestre, entrance from Corte Legrenzi. Registration is required; check availability on the official website.

Build an itinerary without chasing the whole calendar

If English is important, start with events explicitly listed as English or bilingual, then group them by area. Any activity marked Reservation or Registration should be re-checked close to the date; this guide does not hard-code remaining capacity or live availability.

For transport planning, see how to reach Venice from Marghera.