Called the Center for Contemporary Art, the museum will be housed in the Punta della Dogana complex, a former customs building on a promontory across from St. Mark's Square. This 17th century building has not been used in any way for a long time, but now it will become a junction of the past and the present, which is the leitmotif of Ando's project. According to him, she seems to be floating on the waters of the lagoon, and his goal is for her to float into the future. The project uses modern building materials such as reinforced concrete, while at the same time it provides for the addition of a new final cornice, in its structure dating back to the 15th century. The Japanese architect said that the main difficulty while working in Venice was the pressure of the great historical tradition.
The new museum, which, along with works of art belonging to Pinault, will display works by Venetian artists of the 20th century, is due to open in time for the 2009 Biennale; According to the French billionaire, the future Center in Punta della Dogana and its already existing gallery in Palazzo Grassi should become a network of magnificent exhibition spaces for contemporary art.
