When Venice is transformed into the art world’s pilgrimage point this May, as it has been biannually since the 1890s, it will come with an Italian pour. Quattro Gatti has been named the official gin of the 61st Venice Biennale, securing a presence across exhibition sites for the 2026 edition.
From café counters inside the leafy Giardini della Biennale to aperitivo hours at the cavernous Arsenale, the Umbrian-crafted gin will be the exclusive spirit available. A special Biennale cocktail is set to join the menu, with details tightly sealed as the occasion approaches.
Founded in 2022, the brand comes by way of the Mordant family, whose legacy of arts patronage runs directly through Venice. British-born Simon Mordant served as Commissioner for the Australia Pavilion in 2013 and 2015 and is involved as Global Ambassador for Australia in 2026. The family also led the rebuilding campaign for the Australian Pavilion, opened in 2015, which made history as the first 21st-century pavilion to be erected in the city.
“Quattro Gatti is our way of bottling the spirit of this special place,” Mordant explains. “To be named Official Gin of Biennale Arte 2026 is an honor that is aligned with who we are, why we make this gin, and our special connection to both Venice and Umbria.”
The cofounder’s commitment to his adopted country have been met with all sorts of recognition over the years. Mordant is a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, an ambassador for the Gallerie dell’Accademia, and a supporter of the Venetian Heritage Foundation—credentials that place Quattro Gatti firmly within the city’s cultural fabric. So when Venice slips into its familiar Biennale rhythm in May, the increasingly recognizable gin won’t just be present at the bar, it will have a definitive seat at the head of the table.
More of our favorite stories from CULTURED
A Movie Deal Is a Writer’s Dream—or Is It? 5 Authors Get Real About the IP Machine
Shrinking Actors Sherry Cola and Jessica Williams Talk Therapy (On Screen and Off)
The Pitt’s Shawn Hatosy Is an Emmy Winner, a TikTok Star, and a Secret Literature Nerd
Why Are Artists So Interested in Making Playgrounds?
Sign up for our newsletter here to get these stories direct to your inbox.
in your life?