Arsenal Small Theater
A compact theatrical venue established in 2000 within Venice’s historic Arsenale, featuring an intimate 250-seat auditorium with stepped seating and a 16-by-13-meter stage.
At a glance
The Arsenal Small Theater occupies a former cinema space in the monumental Arsenale complex. The performance venue seats 250 spectators on a gently rising flight of steps, each step a modest 10 centimeters high, creating an accessible viewing configuration. The stage measures 16 meters wide by 13 meters deep, with a 12-meter proscenium arch framing the performance area.
History
The theater emerged in 2000 from the conversion of Cinema Arsenale into a dedicated performance space. This transformation revitalized an existing cultural facility within one of Venice’s most significant historical complexes, integrating it into the Biennale’s expanding artistic infrastructure.
What you see
The theater’s design prioritizes an intimate frontal relationship between stage and audience. The stepped seating rises gradually—each step only 10 centimeters—ensuring unobstructed sight lines for all 250 patrons. The stage itself provides substantial depth and width, accommodating diverse theatrical productions within its 12-meter proscenium opening.
Cultural significance
Situated within the Arsenale, one of Venice’s most iconic monuments, the theater anchors contemporary performance in a space steeped in Renaissance shipbuilding history. It serves the Venice Biennale’s theatrical programming, connecting modern artistic expression to the industrial and cultural legacy of the lagoon city.
Key facts
- Address: Campiello Tana, 2161, 30122 Venezia
- Coordinates: 45.433395, 12.3504562
- Seating capacity: 250
- Stage dimensions: 16m × 13m (proscenium: 12m)
- Phone: +39 041 521 8711
- Website: https://www.labiennale.org/it
Practical information
The theater is managed as part of the Venice Biennale’s facilities. Programming and ticket information are available through the official Biennale website. The stepped seating accommodates visitors with modest elevation changes between rows.
Getting there
The Arsenal Small Theater is located within the Arsenale, accessible via Campiello Tana in central Venice. Water taxis and public vaporetto services serve the Arsenale district; detailed directions are available on the Biennale website.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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