Homo Faber opens with Es Devlin Sept. 2

Homo Faber 2026 is now open on San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, with British artist and designer Es Devlin leading this year’s edition under the theme “An Island of Light.” The craft biennial is staged across the grounds of Fondazione Giorgio Cini and runs from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, according to Homo Faber and the Michelangelo Foundation. Organizers describe the event as the fourth edition of the exhibition, dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and the relationship between light, materials and the human hand. Forbes reported that the show opened as Venice entered its wider September cultural season and said it brings together more than 500 artisans from over 70 countries. ### When did the exhibition actually open, and where is it being held? Sept. 1 is the public opening date listed by Homo Faber, the Michelangelo Foundation and Fondazione Giorgio Cini for “Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light.” The exhibition is being held on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, centered on the Fondazione Giorgio Cini complex. San Giorgio Maggiore is also the site visitors use for entry, shuttle arrivals and related programming, according to the event’s practical information page. (homofaber.com) Homo Faber says ticket holders can use a shuttle from San Marco-San Zaccaria to the island every 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m., while Vaporetto line 2 also stops at San Giorgio. ### What is Es Devlin doing at this year’s Homo Faber? (homofaber.com) Es Devlin is serving as artistic director of the 2026 edition, shaping the exhibition through a staged journey built around light, shadow and craft. Homo Faber says her concept unfolds through 15 immersive installations across the historic buildings and grounds of the Cini Foundation. W Magazine reported that Devlin transformed the foundation into an immersive labyrinth of light and shadow for the event. (homofaber.com) Homo Faber says her staging is intended to illuminate the work of artisans from around the world and connect individual makers through the exhibition’s island-based narrative. ### How large is the show, and who is taking part? Forbes reported that the fourth Homo Faber Biennial showcases more than 700 objects by more than 500 artisans from 70 countries. (homofaber.com) The same report described the exhibition as a month-long presentation of contemporary craft on San Giorgio Maggiore. Fondazione Giorgio Cini says the event is presented by Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte and the Michelangelo Foundation, in partnership with the Cini Foundation. (wmagazine.com) Homo Faber’s official programme adds that visitors can also see master artisans at work and take part in workshops tied to Japanese crafts, restoration, paper-making, metalwork and other disciplines. ### What else happens beyond the main installations? (forbes.com) Homo Faber says the event includes live demonstrations, participatory workshops, culinary experiences, guided tours and a citywide component called Homo Faber in Città. The official programme also says 90 Young Ambassadors are involved in guiding visitors through the exhibition and the wider world of making. The practical information page says visitors can also access related sites on San Giorgio Maggiore, including the Vatican Chapels area through a separate ticket office near the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore. (cini.it) Journalists can register through the event’s accreditation platform for entry and shuttle access, according to organizers. ### How does it fit into Venice’s September calendar? (homofaber.com) Forbes said Homo Faber is running throughout the Biennale season on San Giorgio Maggiore, placing it alongside Venice’s broader cluster of film, art and design events in September. Organizers have framed the exhibition as a showcase for craftsmanship and interdisciplinary making at a moment when Venice is drawing international cultural traffic across multiple venues. (homofaber.com) Sept. 30 is the listed closing date for Homo Faber 2026, according to Homo Faber and the Michelangelo Foundation. Tickets, programme details and visitor information are available through the event’s official pages, which list daily transport, workshops and installation schedules for the remainder of the month. (michelangelofoundation.org) (forbes.com)