The construction of the Padiglione Venezia in 1932, dedicated to the decorative arts and located in the Giardini della Biennale, marked a turning-point in the history of Murano glass by giving it a dedicated space within the international art exhibition. The glassworks now had their own showcase where they could present their latest creations or pieces designed specifically for the occasion.

This volume examines the exhibitions held in the 1932-42 decade, from the inauguration of the Padiglione Venezia to the 23rd Biennale, the last edition before the hiatus caused by World War II. From its inception, the exhibition programme contributed to the revival of the glass industry, which had been heavily affected by the global economic crisis, while also fostering a dialogue between the glassworks and between them and the art world. These were years of remarkable creativity and experimentation with materials and colours, involving the reinterpretation of traditional techniques as well as the development of new processes.
Numerous glassworks and companies participated in the event over the years, including AVEM, Barovier (later Ferro Toso-Barovier and Barovier-Toso & C.), Barovier Seguso & Ferro (later Seguso Vetri d’Arte), Cirillo Maschio, Moretti Ulderico & C., S.A.I.A.R. Ferro Toso & C., S.A.L.I.R., Salviati & C., Successori Andrea Rioda S.A., Aureliano Toso, Fratelli Toso, V.A.M.S.A., Venini S.A., Zecchin Martinuzzi.

Among the key figures working in the furnaces during this vibrant new period were Carlo Scarpa, Guido Bin (also known as Mario De Luigi), Ercole Barovier, Flavio Poli, Dino Martens, Vittorio Zecchin, Franz Pelzel,
among others.

Resulting from extensive bibliographic and archival research in the Archivio Storico della Biennale as well as in public and private archives, the catalogue uses period photographs, drawings, and documents, often unpublished, to document the works exhibited in the six editions.

A careful selection of 160 works, illustrated with photographic plates, showcases the remarkable quality of this extraordinary production.