Venice, Riyadh, and the Legacy of Marco Polo: A New Horizon Unfolds

is a landmark curatorial initiative promoted by Cypher, the cultural association based in Monaco, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Riyadh and the prestigious L’Art Pur Foundation. The project takes inspiration from the enduring legacy of Marco Polo and the historic ties between Venice and the Arabian Peninsula, exploring new cultural synergies through contemporary art.

Featuring the works of renowned Italian artists—Manuel Bonfanti, Federico Garibaldi, and Florencia S.M. Brück—the exhibition opens on May 5, 2025, under the patronage of the Italian Embassy and inaugurates a series of exhibitions and diplomatic events across Riyadh and Dubai throughout the year.

With its debut at L’Art Pur Foundation—an institutional space of over 540 sqm founded by H.R.H. Princess Adwaa bint Yazid Bin Abdallah—the project offers a refined and immersive artistic experience that bridges cultures and generations. The exhibition investigates universal themes such as identity, memory, environmental sustainability, and cross-cultural dialogue, positioning contemporary art as a privileged tool for international understanding.

Cypher – Promoter and Strategic Facilitator

With its mission to create cultural and business connections across Europe and the Gulf region, Cypher acts as a catalyst for visibility, strategic partnerships, and institutional recognition.

Cultural Diplomacy: Supporting the international dissemination of Italian artistic excellence.

Institutional Engagement: Facilitating high-level collaborations between public and private sectors in Europe and the Middle East.

Business and Art Synergy: Creating networking opportunities for sponsors, collectors, and cultural stakeholders through curated events and advisory services.

The exhibition is curated by Area35 Art Gallery (Milan) under the artistic direction of architect and gallerist Giacomo Marco Valerio, appointed Art Ambassador of the project. With over fifteen years of experience in cultural programming and exhibition design, Valerio leads the initiative with a rigorous and visionary approach aimed at fostering sustainable cultural exchanges.