The work was commissioned to architect and designer Carlo Scarpa by Onorina Tomasin to commemorate her husband Giuseppe Brion, who died suddenly. The latter, who was born in San Vito, had been a very successful Italian entrepreneur in the post-war period, known for the Brionvega brand, capable of bringing innovation and design to the world of hi-tech products, such as the Radio Cubo and the portable television set, which can now be admired at the MOMA in NY.
The Brion family’s choice to commission Carlo Scarpa was certainly not accidental. Born in Venice in 1906, Scarpa studied at his city’s Academy of Fine Arts and immediately discovered himself to be a multifaceted creative: painter, craftsman, designer and architect with an honorary degree. An international award-winner, he is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, whose works influence contemporary designers and architects.
Carlo Scarpa worked on the Brion Tomb project from 1969 until his untimely death in 1978 in Japan, leaving written in his will that he wanted to be buried in this funerary complex to which he was extremely attached. In his own words – This is the only work I go to see willingly, because I feel I have conquered the sense of the countryside, as the Brion family wanted. Everyone goes there with great affection; children play, dogs run around: all cemeteries should be like this.
The architectural complex
Brion Tomb blends modernism, Venetian art, symbolism and oriental philosophy, telling us of an absolute love, which goes beyond the limits imposed by death.
The monumental area covers 2200 square metres and is enclosed by a sloping concrete wall, whose oppressive presence, reminiscent of the cemetery condition, is broken up by pools of water (the source of life), water lilies, gutters and meadow beds inspired by Zen philosophy and iconic Japanese gardens. The oriental world then merges with the western Venetian tradition, thanks to the various pieces of coloured Murano glass.
The complex consists of:
- Entrance to the Tomb: formed by a portal in which two circles intertwine, one in blue mosaic and the other in pink, symbolising Ying and Yang, two opposites that meet and unite inextricably .
- The arcosolium: this is the fulcrum of the complex, inspired by the tombs of the ancient Christians. It’s a low arch/bridge covered on the inside with glass tesserae. The structure protects the tombs of Onorina and Giuseppe Brion, carved from a single block of marble and tilted towards each other, as if to symbolise the couple’s eternal union.
- The wayside shrine: a pyramidal roof housing the graves of relatives.
- The chapel: situated in the centre of a pool of water containing concrete forms similar to steps. Thanks to cuts, inlays and slits, the chapel lends itself to infinite plays of light, such as the reverberation of water in the ceiling, which change throughout the day.
- The pavilion: is dedicated to meditation and is located right in view of the arcosolium.
- Carlo Scarpa’s tomb: it is deliberately located in a secluded area of the complex and houses the coffins of the artist and his wife, Nini Lazzari. It was realised by his son, also an architect, Tobia Scarpa.
The visit
The Memorial was restored in April 2021 and is therefore accessible in all its original beauty.
The complex is easily accessible by car from the main neighbouring cities (Venice, Treviso, Trento, Verona).
Access to the Memorial is free. For those who wish, it is possible to book a guided tour for a fee.
Let yourself be fascinated by this enchanting place of peace, silence and harmony. A perfect blend of different philosophies and religions, prompting the visitor to reflect on existence, leaving the memory of a unique and engaging experience.
For Further Information
FAI – Fund for the Italian Environment
Tel. +39 349 8781601
memorialebrion@fondoambiente.it
www.memorialebrion.it
