Travelers to Venice seldom miss St. Mark’s Square, yet few discover the hidden gem of the Olivetti Showroom, designed by the celebrated Carlo Scarpa in the mid-20th century. Suspended marble steps and intricate details still enchant, bearing Scarpa’s unmistakable touch.

Under Scarpa’s brilliance, the Olivetti name may seem obscure today, yet it once stood at the heart of Italy’s industrial prowess. Founded in the early 20th century, Olivetti introduced Italy’s first typewriter and, within decades, grew from a small workshop into a powerhouse with nearly 30,000 employees, pioneering products like the first portable calculator.

Adriano Olivetti, visionary son of the founder, championed a model workers' city in Ivrea, where employees enjoyed homes, schools, hospitals, and scenic workshop views—a fleeting utopia.

After its peak, Olivetti declined, succumbing to internal struggles and powerful American competitors. The showroom, once converted into a souvenir shop, was restored by the Italian Heritage Trust. Now, it quietly commemorates Olivetti’s legacy, where typewriters and calculators stand as relics of a lost era.