Veneto: A Bridge Between Venice and New York (2009 Columbus Day Celebration at Grand Central Terminal)

Entrance to the exhibit at Vanderbilt Hall

Golden winged lion, symbol of St. Mark, patron saint of Venice

Murano glass

Small Steps (miniature shoes collection of Piccoli Passi) entirely made by hand by Pietro Martello

Harlequin Secret (Commedia dell'Arte Performance)

Veneto: A Bridge Between Venice and New York (Part of 2009 Columbus Celebration)

is an ongoing exhibit at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall that runs through October 17, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Daily. The exhibit highlights the Veneto region’s timeless beauty and its vibrant culture (www.veneto.to). From the opulence of the architecture of the Doge’s Palace and canals of Venice to the Region of Veneto’s unsurpassed artisans, the exhibition will inform and delight visitors hungry for a sampling of this land of natural beauty, historic sites, and thriving culture.

The exhibits feature displays of Murano glass, exquisite hand-crafted miniature shoes replicating contemporary and historic styles, Harlequin Secret (Commedia dell'Arte Performance) and free jazz performances. Among the highlights of Veneto: A Bridge Between Venice and New York will be an imposing replica of the façade of the Doge’s Palace, instantly recognizable for its Gothic arches. Two golden winged lions – symbols of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice – will welcome the visitors recreating the glamourous atmosphere of the enchanted city and its internationally reknown film festival. A brilliantly lit 14-foot tall steel tree high will be blanketed with hundreds of unique examples of Murano glass creations that illuminate Venice’s long tradition of exceptional glass blowing. The tree will be donated to the City of New York by Region Veneto and the Promovetro Consortium, an association of Venetian glass artisans and craftsmen.

The outstanding workmanship of Veneto artisans will be evident in a small exhibit, Piccoli Passi (Small Steps), a unique collection of miniature shoes, entirely made by hand by Pietro Martello, a skilled artisan from the Riviera del Brenta. The collection illustrates fashions in footwear over the span of several centuries recreated in two- to four-inch miniature.

A giant screen will continually display images of the fascinating cities, mountains, lakes, beaches, castles, churches, rivers, vineyards and of Veneto, in a breathtaking kaleidoscope of images, accompanied by Italian classical and popular music. (information from the Columbus Citizens Foundation)