On the terrace of The Gritti Palace, Jeremy Irons and his wife, Sinéad Cusack, bask in the February sun without coats. It’s a bright day, and the hotel’s outdoor seating is fully occupied. Whenever the weather permits, warmth draws everyone outside to admire the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and Punta della Dogana, now a contemporary art museum. One, the masterpiece of the great Palladio; the other, revitalized by Tadao Ando—five centuries apart, yet both embodying Venice’s enduring sense of beauty.

The Gritti has earned its front-row seat. Its prime location on the Grand Canal is a fortunate legacy of the Gothic palace built by the Pisani family in 1475, later becoming the residence of Doge Andrea Gritti fifty years later. But since transforming into a hotel in 1895, its exponential glamour is due to its impeccable service, elegance, and the atmosphere that has enchanted illustrious guests—from Peggy Guggenheim and Ernest Hemingway to today’s celebrities.

Though its salons and suites still radiate the aura of a bygone era, adorned with brocades and intricate décor, everything is constantly renewed, modern, and comfortable. Even after its last renovation in January 2013, stepping into The Gritti feels like diving into old, captivating Venice—an era of long, flowing tabarri cloaks. Yet, The Gritti is not a glamorous fortress cut off from the world. Anyone can step through its revolving doors and be transported into its enchanted realm, even if only for a Martini—prepared tableside, and, between us, one of the best in town.

But The Gritti doesn’t just welcome the world in; it extends its presence beyond its walls, championing the city’s artistic heritage. For years, it has supported Save Venice, the organization founded in 1966 to preserve Venice’s artistic treasures—nearly 2,000 artworks restored to date, with over €18 million invested.

Currently, they are restoring the Sala delle Quattro Porte in the Doge’s Palace—a historic reception hall leading to the government chambers. Designed by Andrea Palladio, the room features a ceiling adorned with allegorical sculptures by Giovan Battista Cambi (known as Il Bombarda) and oil frescoes partly attributed to Tintoretto and his followers. A magnificent showcase of late 16th-century Venetian decoration, it is currently shrouded in scaffolding and closed to the public. However, Save Venice members and Gritti guests (by reservation) can access exclusive guided tours led by art historians.

Until July 2025, when the restorations are completed, visitors won’t be able to admire the hall’s full splendor. But climbing the scaffolding to get an intimate view of the stucco moldings and painted canvases overhead is an unforgettable experience—much like the association’s elegant gala dinner at Palazzo Labia. There, as a surprise, Mr. and Mrs. Irons performed Shakespeare impromptu, surrounded by Tiepolo’s frescoes—perhaps the next masterpieces in need of Save Venice’s magic touch.