Venice art museums every art lover must see

The 10 best art museums in Venice for your next visit

We can all agree that Venice like is a big piece of art, right? 🎨 

But there’s much more to it than just pretty canals and magnificent buildings. Venice is full of amazing art museums and galleries right by the water. Whether you’re visiting during La Biennale—Venice’s famous art festival—or any other time, there’s plenty to explore. And here’s a little secret: on the first Sunday of each month, over 450 museums are totally free to visit.😉  

For a perfect day exploring Venice’s art scene, don’t miss our guide on How to Spend One Day in Venice.

1. Peggy Guggenheim Collection 

Imagine living in an 18th-century palace on the Grand Canal. That’s exactly what American heiress Peggy Guggenheim did for 30 years. Her home stands out with its simple, elegant look among Venice’s tall, fancy buildings. Today, it’s one of Italy’s most famous modern art museums. 

2. Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) 

Venice was once a powerful independent republic, and the Doge was its leader. Back in 810, the Doge decided he needed a palace that suited his important role, so he built what is now known as Doge’s Palace. Located on the edge of St. Mark’s Square, this palace has been expanded and renovated over centuries. Today, it’s a Venice museum of art where you can walk through grand corridors, climb a golden staircase, and explore beautiful rooms that show Venice’s rich history. 

3. Ca’ Pesaro 

“Ca’” means “house” in Venetian, but Ca’ Pesaro is anything but an ordinary house. It’s a grand palace on the Grand Canal, built by the wealthy Pesaro family in the 17th century. Although their art collection was sold, the building later became a museum of modern art thanks to a generous duchess. Now, the Ca’ Pesaro Museum Venice has modern art pieces, including works by artists like Giorgio de Chirico, Joan Mirò, and Kandinsky. You’ll love it! 

4. Gallerie dell’Accademia 

Venice has a long history of art, and the Gallerie dell’Accademia is the place to see some of the best examples. This museum has a fantastic collection of pre-18th century Venetian art, and it’s also home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man drawing. If classic Venetian art is your thing, this is one of the best Venice exhibitions to visit. 

5. Scuola Grande di San Rocco 

In 1478, a group of wealthy Venetians started a confraternity, like a club with a charitable purpose, dedicated to San Rocco, a saint believed to protect against the plague. They built their meeting hall next to the church where the saint’s remains were kept and hired the famous artist Tintoretto to decorate it. The result? Over 60 stunning works based on the Old and New Testaments, displayed in beautifully decorated rooms. It’s a must-see among art galleries in Venice, Italy. 

6. François Pinault Collection at Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana 

If you need a break from all the Renaissance art, the François Pinault Collection is a great option. French billionaire François Pinault owns one of the world’s most important collections of 20th and 21st century art. His collection is displayed in two museums: Punta della Dogana and Palazzo Grassi. Both historic buildings were remodeled by Japanese architect Tadao Ando to create modern, stylish spaces for contemporary art.  

7. Palazzo Fortuny 

Palazzo Fortuny is a Gothic palace that was once the home of Mariano Fortuny, a Spanish designer and artist with a unique style. Fortuny turned the building into his personal workshop and studio. Today, the museum is a mix of his collected paintings and textiles, along with modern exhibition spaces that tell the story of his life and artistic projects. 

8. Museo della Fondazione Querini Stampalia 

Take a trip down memory lane at the Museo della Fondazione Querini Stampalia, a beautifully preserved house-museum that once belonged to the noble Querini Stampalia family. Explore its rooms filled with personal treasures, porcelain figures, lush fabrics, and over 400 paintings.

9. Venice Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) 

Venice’s glassmaking tradition is world-famous, and the Murano Glass Museum on the island of Murano is the place to explore it. Murano glass, known for its intricate hand-blown creations, has been a Venetian export for centuries. This glass museum in Venice takes you through the history of glassmaking, from ancient times to the 20th century. 

10. Venice Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) 

Murano is famous for its glass, but the island of Burano is well known for its lace. Once a must-have for the wealthy, Burano lace was among the finest available. And this museum feels like a charming trip to Grandma’s attic with all its handmade textiles and cozy vibes. 

To explore more of Venice’s cultural gems, check out our article on Unmasking… the Venice Carnival.