[1][2] This palace, one among the most imposing of the Cannaregio Canal, was built in the 17th century by the will of the patrician family of the Surians (of Armenian origin), to a project attributed to the architect Giuseppe Sardi, an author of the nearby Palazzo Savorgnan.

[4][5] In the 19th century, after the fall of the Republic of Venice, the palace began a long period of decay, during which the sumptuous interiors, their original structure and decorations were irreparably lost.

On the ground floor of the building from 9 December 2016, Laguna Libre, ecological and cultural restaurant, has come to life: after an important restoration according to green building principles, a large venue has been created which is both a restaurant with local high quality and organic products and the most important jazz & world music club in North Eastern Italy in collaboration with Veneto Jazz, as well as space for public and private events, also hosting art and photo exhibitions, books' presentations and public debates, in collaboration with NGOs and networks.

Laguna Libre also hosts Smart Venice's headquarters, a research and consultancy company working on gender equality, inclusive innovation and sustainability projects.

In the documentary the Palazzo Surian Bellotto with its history and the Laguna Libre with its cultural and gastronomic project represent one of the examples of the possible rebirth of the city after the high water in November 2019 and the Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020 / 2021.