OLAF NICOLAI: Eisfeld II in Venice

In the year of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Berggruen Arts & Culture presents the spectacular ice installation ‘Eisfeld II’ by internationally renowned artist Olaf Nicolai.

‘Eisfeld II’ is a 100-square-metre ice rink that will be housed in the frescoed grand banquet hall on the first floor of the Palazzo. The environmental installation will cool down over the course of the exhibition, even though it is located in an enclosed space. It features a specially composed soundtrack by the Berlin band ‘To Rococo Rot’, which will be played through six loudspeakers to enhance the movements of visitors skating on the ice rink.

The ‘Eisfeld’ installation, originally developed by the artist over 20 years ago, has been specially reinterpreted for the Palazzo Diedo.

‘Eisfeld II’ is equipped with the latest technology for producing artificial ice. Accompanied by Nicolai's two light boxes ‘ENJOY/SURVIVE (I & II)’ at both ends of the ice rink, the installation emphasises the interplay between the concepts of “enjoyment” and ‘survival’ and invites visitors to reflect on the balance between pleasure and endurance.

THE EXHIBITION IS ON DISPLAY FROM 13 DECEMBER 2025 TO 22 FEBRUARY 2026.

Palazzo Diedo, Cannaregio 2386, Venice, Italy
Mehr Informationen: Palazzo Diedo