Cover Architect Peter Marino at Hotel Cipriani, pictured with a mid-century abstract painting and gilded Venetian console in the renovated spaces
Architect Peter Marino at Hotel Cipriani, pictured with a mid-century abstract painting and gilded Venetian console in the renovated spaces
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Renowned architect Peter Marino discusses his multi-hase renovation of Hotel Cipriani, the iconic Venetian property where A-listers have gathered since 1958
Peter Marino has built a practice over four decades that operates at the intersection of luxury retail and fine art. The New York-based architect, whom Vogue has called “fashion’s favourite architect”, has designed flagship stores for Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, to name but a few. But his residential commissions, typically for serious art collectors, have shaped his reputation as much as his commercial work, establishing an approach that treats buildings as frameworks for curated collections.
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Above Peter Marino in one of the renovated Hotel Cipriani suites, beneath a large-scale abstract expressionist work from his curated art collection
Peter Marino in one of the renovated Hotel Cipriani suites, beneath a large-scale abstract expressionist work from his curated art collection
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Hotel Cipriani opened on Giudecca Island in 1958 as a retreat from Venice’s centro storico. Marino has undertaken a multi-phase renovation of the 67-room property, with the first phase completed on 27 May 2025.
Marino also chairs the Venetian Heritage Foundation, where he oversees the preservation and restoration of Venetian art and architecture. For the Cipriani project, he has organised the design around three periods: historical Venice, the mid-century era when the hotel opened, and contemporary art. The completed first phase includes thirteen redesigned rooms and a new double-height lobby.
His art selection reflects this structure. Italian avant-garde artists Carla Accardi, Edmondo Bacci, and Emilio Vedova are featured alongside international mid-century figures, including Milton Resnick and Hans Hartung.
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Above Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island, accessible only by private boat from St Mark's Square across the Venetian lagoon
Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island, accessible only by private boat from St Mark's Square across the Venetian lagoon
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The hotel sits across the lagoon from St Mark’s Square, accessible only by private boat. Past guests have included Yves Saint Laurent and George Clooney. Belmond acquired the property in 1976 as its first hotel, beginning what is now a collection of 44 properties across 25 countries. The company has been part of LVMH since 2019.
In an exclusive interview with Tatler Homes, Marino discussed his approach to the project, the role of art in the design, and his perspective on preserving historic properties.
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The lobby’s terrazzo flooring and contemporary art collection reflect Marino’s three-era design approach
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How did your role as Chairman of the Venetian Heritage Foundation influence your approach to blending Old Venice, the mid-century Dolce Vita, and contemporary art in the Hotel Cipriani renovation?
As Chairman of Venetian Heritage, I work to preserve and restore art and architecture in Venice, so for Hotel Cipriani, I wanted the design to echo the city’s continuum — from Tiepolo to Peggy Guggenheim, from Byzantine mosaics to mid-century glamour. The Old Venice spirit is there in the architecture and craft, the Dolce Vita comes alive in the elegance of the 1950 revival, and Italian art from the Biennales brings authenticity.
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Above Contemporary artwork by an Italian avant-garde artist is paired with an antique lacquered chest in one of the redesigned suites
Above Contemporary abstract artwork displayed with custom ceramic planters on an antique painted Venetian chest
Contemporary artwork by an Italian avant-garde artist is paired with an antique lacquered chest in one of the redesigned suites
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Art plays a significant role in your projects. Can you describe how you curated artworks for Hotel Cipriani to reflect its cultural legacy and enhance the guest experience?
Art is oxygen. At Hotel Cipriani, I chose artists Carla Accardi, Edmondo Bacci, Emilio Vedova, Saverio Rampin — who speak directly from the Venetian and Italian avant-garde. I included international mid-century masters — Milton Resnick, Raoul Schultz, Hans Hartung, Carl Holty, François Aubrun. Their abstract expressionism matches the hip vibe of Hotel Cipriani’s Venice. Guests don’t inhabit a hotel; they inhabit a living museum.
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Library salon in one of the Master Suites featuring mid-century modern shelving and period furnishings
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Balancing timeless glamour with modern comfort is central to this project. How do you maintain a historic building’s iconic identity while introducing contemporary design elements?
Life is a continuous weaving together of past and present. Why should a hotel not be? My philosophy is founded on the coexistence of ancient and modern. I don’t like creating theatrical sets: some hotels in Venice look like they came out of Disneyland, others are so contemporary they feel cold, impersonal. Neither approach is convincing. As life is interweaving of past and present: architecture should reflect that too.
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Suite sitting area with white plasterwork mouldings, antique Venetian mirror, and gilded carved chairs overlooking the gardens
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What were the unique challenges and opportunities of designing for a historic and culturally rich city like Venice, especially on such an iconic site?
The challenge is the same as the opportunity: Venice. Every intervention here is a dialogue with five hundred years of beauty. You cannot compete, so you converse - the lagoon, the palazzi, the light. At Hotel Cipriani, the opportunity was to create a world that belongs to Venice but also to the 21st-century traveller. When it was founded in 1958, the idea was to create a joyful place, different from the formal hotels of the city …imperfect but authentic. I wanted to restore a sense of home, humour and of intimacy.
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Junior Suite with private balcony overlooking the Casanova Gardens, featuring Venetian architectural details and antique painted furniture
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Reflecting on your extensive career, how has your design philosophy evolved, and what key lessons did you bring to the Hotel Cipriani project?
Over time, my philosophy has sharpened: architecture must be timeless, art and buildings must be integrated. Good design doesn’t erase history; it layers upon it.
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Master bathroom clad in book-matched marble with brass fixtures and checkerboard flooring
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Looking ahead, how do you see the role of art and architecture evolving in luxury hospitality, and what trends or innovations excite you most for future projects?
Guests today crave a unique experience and authenticity. Art and architecture provide that. The future is about cultural specificity — bringing the DNA of a city alive through design and art combined.
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Photography: courtesy of Belmond
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Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
