Cultural programme

As part of our summer programme, we organize a series of cultural activities that all students can participate in (at no extra cost other than transport if necessary). For logistical reasons there is a maximum number of participants that can be assigned to each activity, but we always do our best to make sure students can participate in as many activities as possible. 

Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve offered in past editions — and the kind of experiences you can expect to find again in the future! We can’t wait to share the next edition with you.

La Biennale d’Arte

Each summer, Venice transforms into a global showcase of contemporary creativity thanks to the Biennale di Venezia, alternating between Art and Architecture. In past years, students have joined guided visits through the main exhibition sites — the Arsenale and the Giardini — exploring national pavilions and large-scale installations led by Biennale staff. The ticket includes additional entries, so students are free to return and explore more on their own time.

Palladio at Home (Vicenza Day Trip)

This full-day excursion to Vicenza, the city of Andrea Palladio, has been a favourite among students.
We’ve visited:

  • the stunning Basilica Palladiana in the heart of the city,
  • the elegant Palazzo Chiericati, now home to the city’s art gallery,
  • the awe-inspiring Teatro Olimpico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining Renaissance theatres still in use today,
  • after the guided tours, there’s always free time to wander and enjoy Vicenza at your own pace.

Rowing Venice

Experience Venice from a unique perspective by paddling through its canals in a fun and active dragon boating excursion! Led by our university sports association team, this activity combines physical exercise with teamwork as you explore the city from the water, navigating both canals and the lagoon. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, and bring a water bottle. The event will be postponed in case of rain.

Printmaking by hand

Unlock your creativity with screen printing workshops! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, these hands-on courses guide you through the process of designing and printing your original works. Led by skilled instructors in a welcoming studio environment, you explore techniques, experiment with color, and bring your ideas to life on paper and fabric. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a desire to create!

The waters of Venice

This unique 3-hour “walkshop” explores Venice through rising tides, art, and imagination. Starting at Palazzina Briati, participants trace the history of flooding and discuss the paradoxes of the MOSE barrier using real-time tide data and literary excerpts. At Punta della Dogana, the group engages with speculative art and imagines Venice as a theme park in 2084, shaped by the climate crisis and cultural memory. The session concludes with the creation of future-themed postcards and a discussion on the ethics of turning adaptation into spectacle. This experience is ideal for students of geography, art, environmental studies, or anyone interested in seeing Venice beyond the typical postcard view.

Ca’ Foscari Tour

Students also have the chance to explore the historic buildings of Ca’ Foscari University, including the iconic Aula Baratto, redesigned by Carlo Scarpa with panoramic views of the Grand Canal, the frescoed Aula Magna Silvio Trentin, and the hidden Niobe Courtyard, home to the university’s war memorial. These guided tours offer a window into the university’s past and present — and into Venice’s academic and architectural legacy. Our cultural programme evolves every year — new exhibitions, new collaborations, and new ideas. Whether it’s art, architecture, environmental studies, or simply getting to know the city in new ways, we believe that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom.