The Library Bar

Tucked away on the third floor of Nolinski Venezia, a refined hotel located just moments from Piazza San Marco and Teatro La Fenice, the Library Bar is a captivating retreat that elegantly fuses Venetian grandeur with intellectual charm. Housed within the former Stock Exchange building on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, this intimate bar is a haven for those who appreciate art, literature, and finely crafted cocktails.

Upon entering, guests are welcomed into a richly atmospheric space where high shelves brim with over 4,000 curated books, handpicked by renowned Parisian bookseller Anatole Desachy. The volumes span topics such as art history, Venetian culture, fashion, and world travel—transforming the venue into a sophisticated sanctuary reminiscent of a private library or reading room.

Designed as more than just a bar, this space is ideal for conversation, contemplation, or solitary reflection. Whether you're sipping a cocktail while diving into a volume on Venetian art or simply enjoying the quiet elegance of your surroundings, the ambience is both welcoming and thought-provoking.

One of the standout features of the Library Bar is its ceiling—a grand 40-square-metre canvas hand-painted by artist Simon Buret. The mural presents a dreamlike underwater scene where sea urchins and marine creatures float through a celestial ocean, creating an ethereal atmosphere that is at once whimsical and serene. This immersive artwork adds a layer of visual poetry to the space, elevating the entire experience.

The bar also houses a grand piano, often used for live performances that further enrich the venue’s cultured spirit. The soft melodies resonate through the room, harmonising beautifully with the décor’s deep velvets, warm wood tones, and hushed lighting. It feels less like a public space and more like a refined salon for creative minds.

Under the guidance of Jérémy Bacquet, Creative Director of the Evok Group’s bar programme, the cocktail menu is as imaginative as the setting. Classic and signature drinks alike are crafted with precision and flair, offering a flavourful journey that matches the bar’s aesthetic and literary sensibility. Even non-alcoholic options are thoughtfully prepared, ensuring all guests can partake in the indulgence.

The Library Bar has earned praise from numerous international publications. Vogue lauds its intimate and curated setting, The Times highlights its artistic ceiling and circular bar, while La Vanguardia calls it “the perfect mix” of books and cocktails. Such acclaim speaks volumes about its unique appeal—not just as a hotel bar, but as a cultural experience in its own right.

In a city teeming with historic cafés and bustling bacari, the Library Bar at Nolinski Venezia stands apart. It is a space where elegance meets intellect, where every detail is carefully considered, and where visitors are invited to slow down and savour the moment. For those seeking something quietly extraordinary in Venice, this literary and artistic hideaway is not to be missed.