Palazzo Grassi will become the Venice Aquarium
and Hirst's fish museum
Palazzo Grassi, a historic building in the heart of Venice, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation.
The building will become the Venice Aquarium and Hirst's fish museum, showcasing an extensive collection
of Damien Hirst's aquatic artworks.
The project is a collaboration between Hirst and entrepreneur Franck Giraud, who is leading the effort to convert the Palazzo into an aquarium and museum. The transformation will include the addition of large tanks and pools, which will house a variety of aquatic life, as well as the installation of Hirst's artworks. Hirst's fascination with marine life is well-known, and he has created a significant body of work inspired by the ocean. The collection that will be displayed at the Venice Aquarium includes a wide range of pieces, from large-scale installations to smaller sculptures and paintings.

One of the most striking pieces in the collection is a 60-foot bronze statue of a pregnant woman, titled "Virgin Mother." The statue is inspired by the anatomy of a female great white shark and is intended to convey a sense of awe and wonder at the power of nature. Other notable pieces in the collection include "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living," a sculpture of a shark suspended in formaldehyde, and "The Incomplete Truth," a piece that features a tank filled with dead fish and a taxidermied dove.

The project has been met with some controversy, with some critics questioning the decision to convert a historic building into an aquarium and museum. However, supporters of the project argue that it will bring new life and energy to the Palazzo and help to promote art and marine conservation. The Venice Aquarium and Hirst's fish museum is set to open in 2022, and is sure to be a major attraction for both art lovers and marine enthusiasts alike. With its unique blend of art and aquatic life, the museum is poised to become a must-visit destination in the city of Venice.

The Palazzo Grassi has a rich history in the city of Venice. Originally built in the 18th century, the building served as the home of the Grassi family, a prominent Venetian family. In the 20th century, the building was used for a variety of purposes, including as a customs house and as a venue for contemporary art exhibitions. In 2005, the Palazzo was purchased by Francois Pinault, a French billionaire and art collector. Pinault transformed the building into a modern art museum, showcasing a range of contemporary artworks from his personal collection.

Pinault's decision to sell the Palazzo to Giraud and Hirst has been met with some criticism from those who believe that the building should remain a museum of contemporary art. However, the new project promises to bring a fresh perspective to the building, showcasing the intersection of art and nature in a unique and engaging way. The Venice Aquarium and Hirst's fish museum is just one example of the ways in which art and technology are intersecting in new and exciting ways. The rise of blockchain technology, for example, has opened up new possibilities for artists and art collectors alike.

Decentralized autonomous organizations, or DAOs, are one example of how blockchain technology could revolutionize the art world. A DAO is a type of organization that is run entirely on a blockchain network, with decisions made by a collective of members rather than by a central authority. In the art world, DAOs could be used to create collective ownership of artworks, allowing individuals to pool their resources to purchase and maintain pieces of art. This could make it easier for people to invest in art, and could also help to democratize the art world by giving more people access to ownership and decision-making power.

The intersection of art and technology is a rapidly evolving field, and the Venice Aquarium and Hirst's fish museum is just one example of the exciting new projects that are emerging. With its blend of art and marine life, the museum promises to be a unique and engaging destination for visitors to the city of Venice. As the Venice Aquarium and Hirst's fish museum project progresses, there is no doubt that it will continue to generate interest and excitement within the art world and beyond. Its innovative approach to showcasing art in a natural environment may inspire other artists and curators to explore similar ideas.

At the same time, the rise of DAOs and other blockchain-based technologies presents new opportunities for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to engage with the art world in new and exciting ways. As more people become interested in the potential of blockchain technology, it is likely that we will see more DAOs and other blockchain-based organizations emerge within the art world. Ultimately, the Venice Aquarium and Hirst's fish museum is just one example of the ways in which art and technology are intersecting to create new and exciting projects. As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is likely that we will see more and more innovative projects that push the boundaries of what is possible with technology and art.