VENICE BIENNALE’s 16th International Architecture Exhibition is quickly approaching its May 26 kickoff. Curated by Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, this year’s show focuses on “the question of space, the quality of space, open and free space,” with projects grouped into two categories: those that reflect on teaching experiences and those that reflect on notable buildings of the past. As architecture and art aficionados know, there’s an abundance to see in Venice proper. But where to go off-site?

Lorenzo Quinn’s ‘Support’ sculpture at the Grand Canal in Venice at last year’s Biennale; photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

We’ve tapped interior designer Mark Weaver of Los Angeles’s Mark Weaver & Associates, an architecture and design firm, as your virtual tour guide. Here, he shares his must-see list of attractions—both inside and outside the City of Canals.

Gardens at the Hotel Villa Cipriani in Asolo; photo by Mark Weaver and Fred Licht

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Villa Cipriani A fabulous villa with magnificent views in the town of Asolo.
Via Canova, 298, Asolo

WHERE TO DINE

Trattoria Moderna Due Mori Eat on the terrace overlooking the spectacular countryside with a bottle of the local Prosecco and the tagliatelle with fresh peas.
Piazza Gabriele D’Annunzio, 5 Asolo

Locanda Cipriani Dine in the garden under the grape arbor. It is one of the most romantic experiences for dining. Some of the most divine food anywhere in the world. Piazza Santa Fosca, 29, Torcello

WHERE TO VISIT

The Canova Temple (Tempio Canoviano) Sculptor Antonio Canova designed the temple as an homage to The Pantheon in Rome. The facade has the most beautiful and pure colonnade I’ve ever seen. Via Stradone del Tempio, Possagno

The Villa Barbaro in Maser; photo by Mark Weaver and Fred Licht

Museum Gipsoteca Antonio Canova (Museo Canova di Possagno) It houses the sculptor’s plaster and marble pieces. The building, designed by the great Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, is one of my favorite museums—truly inspiring and a must-see for anyone interested in neoclassical art and sculpture. Via Canova, 74, Possagno

Villas of the Veneto Among my favorites of these great buildings by genius architect Andrea Palladio are the Villa La Rotonda, the Villa Emo, the Villa Barbaro in Maser, and his final masterpiece, the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza.

WHERE TO SHOP

Martinuzzi Go to Piazza San Marco to find these beautiful linens. Piazza San Marco, 67/a, Venice

Mark Weaver; photo by Fred Licht

Seguso For the most spectacular glassworks. They are currently working on custom sconces and glassware for a few of our clients. F.ta Venier 29, Venice (showroom)

Mercato di Pesce This fish and produce market has some of the most impressive seafood and vegetable selections. Campo della Pescaria, Venice (near the Rialto Bridge)

Valese Shop for superb bronze hardware and fittings. San Marco 793 Calle Fiubera, Venice

E.M. BOF Mobili This is the place to go for kitchens and cabinetry. Via Conti Agosti, 34, 31010, Mareno di Piave, Venice