From 13 December 2025 to 22 February 2026, Venice hosts an unconventional exhibition, perfect for those who enjoy experiencing art rather than simply visiting it: Eisfeld II – Enjoy / Survive by Olaf Nicolai, staged at Palazzo Diedo, in the heart of Cannaregio.
It is an ideal choice for those looking for something different: a mix of contemporary art, movement, physical sensations and an authentic urban setting, far from the usual exhibitions meant to be observed in silence.
An exhibition experienced through the body
At the heart of Eisfeld II is a 100-square-metre ice-skating rink, installed in the frescoed hall of the piano nobile of an eighteenth-century palace. The contrast is immediate and striking: the ice (created using a new sustainable technology), the baroque elegance of the space and the music that accompanies every movement.
You step in, put on your skates and glide. No experience is required. The experience is designed to be accessible, playful and engaging, making it perfect to enjoy as a couple. The soundtrack creates an almost suspended atmosphere, making the fact of being indoors, in such a refined historical setting, even more surreal.
Time on the rink is limited (30 minutes), but more than enough to turn the visit into a memorable moment.
Enjoy / Survive: the message behind the experience
At either end of the rink, two light boxes bearing the words ENJOY and SURVIVE accompany the experience. Without the need for complex explanations, Nicolai invites visitors to reflect on a balance that concerns everyone: pleasure and endurance, lightness and awareness.
Skating thus becomes more than a playful gesture. It is a sensory experience that lingers, especially when shared.
Why Eisfeld II is perfect to experience together
It is physical, immediate and shareable. You laugh, support each other and comment on what you are experiencing. It is the kind of experience that builds connection and makes a stay in Venice less predictable.
The fact that it takes place in Cannaregio truly makes a difference: a real, lived-in neighbourhood, ideal for continuing the evening without long walks or travelling far.
Beyond the rink: Palazzo Diedo and contemporary art
The visit to Eisfeld II also includes the spaces of Palazzo Diedo, with the frescoes of the piano nobile and site-specific works by important contemporary artists such as Urs Fischer, Carsten Höller, Mariko Mori, Hiroshi Sugimoto and others.
A natural extension of the experience, enriching the visit without overwhelming it, while maintaining a balance between discovery and pleasure.
After the exhibition: experiencing Cannaregio
Once you leave Palazzo Diedo, the evening can continue spontaneously in one of Venice’s most authentic and lively districts, where local life naturally blends with that of curious travellers.
At sunset, within just a few minutes, you reach the Fondamenta della Misericordia, one of the city’s most animated areas. Here you will find plenty of bacari, bars and restaurants for an informal dinner, in authentic venues outside the most conventional tourist circuits, chosen and frequented by Venetians.
This is the beauty of starting from an exhibition like Eisfeld II: it becomes the centre of a complete evening, combining art, local life and Venetian atmosphere.
Just a short walk from the exhibition
One of the advantages of staying with us is our location. The hotel is just a short and pleasant walk from Palazzo Diedo, right in the heart of Cannaregio, making it easy to reach the exhibition without transport and without rushing.
This makes it easy to experience Eisfeld II spontaneously: visit the installation in the afternoon, stop by the bacari or restaurants in the area, and return to the hotel whenever you wish. If you are planning your stay in Venice during the exhibition period, book directly here and enjoy the city at your own pace.
Practical information
Days and opening times:
Friday–Sunday, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (last admission 6:00 pm)
Tickets:
Full €12
Reduced €5 (students and eligible categories)
Skate rental included (you may also use your own skates)