A new Murano glass lantern created by Seguso Vetri d’Arte for the Selldorf expansion offers a contemporary interpretation of the luminous pieces that once adorned the Garden Court in the 1930s. Architect Annabelle Selldorf drew inspiration from those historic interiors, commissioning bespoke lanterns that echo the spirit of the originals while introducing a refined modern sensibility.
Seguso Vetri d’Arte stands as one of Murano’s most enduring glassmaking dynasties, with documented activity dating back to 1397. Today, the company is led by Pierpaolo Seguso, the twenty-third generation of a family whose artistic legacy includes masters such as Archimede Seguso (1909–1999). His revival of ancient techniques and his innovative approach to form and material have earned Seguso’s works a place in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and other major institutions.
The lanterns designed for the Selldorf project combine two traditional processes: molten glass is poured onto a heated surface to create the distinctive martellato texture, while the decorative elements are individually hand-blown and finished with a mirrored coating. The result is a dialogue between glass and metal, where each material subtly imitates the other, achieving an understated yet highly sophisticated effect.
Seguso Vetri d’Arte is recognised not only for its artistic heritage but also for its ability to address complex technical challenges through exceptional craftsmanship and production versatility. Under the guidance of Pierpaolo and GianAndrea Seguso, the company has strengthened its role as a strategic partner for architects and designers worldwide. This collaborative approach, rooted in dialogue, experimentation, and deep material knowledge, enables Seguso to translate ambitious architectural concepts into manufacturable glass structures. The company’s ability to adapt traditional techniques to contemporary needs has made it a trusted contributor to high-profile international projects.
Seguso Vetri d’Arte has collaborated with leading architects and contributed to prestigious hospitality environments across the world. Notable projects include:
– Hotel Bauer, Venice – A series of custom glass installations created during the mid‑20th century, complementing architect Marino Meo’s modernist redesign and enhancing the hotel’s distinctive identity.
– Historic Architectural Collaborations (1932–1973) – Thousands of lighting and furnishing projects developed in partnership with architects and interior designers, reflecting a period of intense innovation and international expansion.
– Bosco Caffè, Moscow – Custom lighting installations designed for the celebrated restaurant, combining contemporary aesthetics with traditional Murano craftsmanship.
– Four Seasons, Dubai – Monumental chandeliers and bespoke lighting pieces created for one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotels, demonstrating Seguso’s capacity to meet the scale and technical demands of global hospitality design.
Across these projects, Seguso Vetri d’Arte continues to affirm its role as a leading interpreter of glass within architectural space, merging centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary vision to create works of enduring beauty and cultural significance.
