HISTORY OF SAVE VENICE

Save Venice was founded in 1967 by the late John and Betty McAndrew and Sydney J. Freedberg in response to the terrible damage caused by the flood of the preceding November.

In 1967 more than 30 international committees were formed under the umbrella of UNESCO to restore and protect Venice's threatened masterpieces. The American committee, Save Venice, has always numbered among the most important.

Originally we were part of the Venice Committee of the International Fund for Monuments, but in 1971, board members formed a new tax-exempt organization, Save Venice Inc.

Each year, the Superintendents for the Artistic and Historic Heritage of Venice and for the Architectural Heritage of Venice, along with church leaders, interested citizens and friends of Save Venice suggest works of art and buildings in need of restoration. The board of Save Venice then chooses which projects to sponsor according to artistic merit and urgency of need.

The restorations featured in this web site are only some of the more than 200 restorations completed by Save Venice Inc. in our 34 year history.

HOW TO HELP

Our work would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. Your contribution in any amount will be appreciated and can be applied to our general restoration fund or toward a specific project.  If you would like to make a donation in any amount please click here. You can also view a listing of current projects that need your support or view a listing of projects on Save Venice's wish list. (Restoration will be possible only if Save Venice finds an underwriter for a project on this list.)

We welcome your support.

CONTACT US

If you would like to join our efforts to preserve Venice's unique and fragile heritage, or would like additional information about our activities, please contact us by telephone, fax or via the e-mail addresses below.

Elizabeth S. Makrauer, Executive Director
Karen L. Marshall, Associate Director, New York
Melissa Conn, Associate Director, Venice

Image: Jacopo Tintoretto, detail, "Mercury and the Three Graces,"
1576-8, Sala dell'Anticollegio, Doge's Palace