15 Best Museums & Galleries in Venice You Can’t Miss

---

---

Best Museums in Venice for Every Type of Traveller

Best Museums For History & Architecture Lovers

1 Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

The Doge’s Palace is Venice’s ultimate power statement—a place designed to impress, intimidate, and showcase the grandeur of the Venetian Republic.

Its elaborate façade, gilded interiors, and cavernous council chambers leave no doubt about the scale of Venetian ambition. But beneath all the opulence lies a stark contrast: the grim, claustrophobic prison cells and the haunting Bridge of Sighs, reminders that Venetian justice could be as ruthless as it was sophisticated.

If it’s your first time in Venice, or a return trip and you haven’t been before, then you should visit the Doge’s Palace at least once.

Even if grand palaces and political history aren’t usually your thing, this one is different.

More than just a beautiful building, it was the nerve center of Venetian power for centuries—a place where rulers were chosen, laws were passed, and justice was served (or, in many cases, not served at all).

And beyond the gilded halls and grand staircases, it has a far darker side: the prison cells, the Bridge of Sighs, and the stories of those who never walked free again.

I’ve visited twice—once on my own and most recently on a Secret Itineraries Tour, which I’d strongly recommend.

There are two different ways to do this, and it’s important to know the distinction:

1. The official Secret Itineraries Tour, run by Palazzo Ducale, takes place a couple of times every morning. It covers restricted rooms, secret passageways, and administrative offices, but once the tour ends, you’re left to explore the rest of the palace on your own.
2. An independent tour, like the premium Walks of Italy Secret Itineraries Tour, which I took, includes everything from the official tour but with extra details, expert commentary, and full access to the rest of the palace as part of the experience.

Either way, the Secret Itineraries Tour is the best way to visit—it gives you access to rooms that independent visitors don’t see, and it makes the entire place feel much more alive.

The grandeur starts as soon as you enter.

The Golden Staircase (Scala d’Oro), with its elaborate gilded ceiling, sets the tone: this was a palace built to impress. But the real showstopper is the Chamber of the Great Council, one of the largest rooms in Europe, where Venice’s ruling elite gathered.

Here, Tintoretto’s Paradise dominates the space. It’s the largest oil painting in the world, but more than that, it feels overwhelming—almost impossible to take in at once. Standing beneath it, I felt like it was looming over me, reinforcing the sheer scale of Venice’s power.

But the Doge’s Palace wasn’t just about wealth and politics—it was also about control.

One moment, you’re in grand chambers lined with gold, and the next, you find yourself in dark, claustrophobic prison cells.

The prisons feel cold, damp, and unsettlingly silent, with graffiti still carved into the walls by long-forgotten prisoners. It’s a stark contrast to the rooms above, and it forces you to think about the darker side of Venetian justice.

Then there’s the Bridge of Sighs, one of the most famous landmarks in Venice.

From the outside, it’s beautiful—one of the most photographed bridges in the city. But walking through it was an entirely different experience. I stopped to peer through its small, perfectly framed stone windows—a prisoner’s last view of Venice before being locked away.

The irony of such a breathtaking scene being the final glimpse of freedom for so many wasn’t lost on me.

Practical Advice for Visiting The Doge’s Palace

• Decide how you want to visit. If you want the fullest experience, do a Secret Itineraries Tour—either the official Palazzo Ducale version or the more detailed Walks of Italy tour (which includes the full palace visit).
• Book in advance. If you’re visiting independently, buy tickets online at least 30 days ahead to save money (€25 instead of €30). Queues to buy tickets on the day can be brutal, so do yourself a favour and buy yours online.
• Give yourself enough time. Around two hours if visiting independently, longer if taking the tour.

2 Museo Correr

If you love history, Museo Correr is one to consider—but if you’re more drawn to art, you might not feel the need to prioritise it.

Even after a few trips to Venice, I haven’t visited yet myself, but it does still sit high on my list for a future trip.

The museum covers Venice’s history from the days of the Republic to the Napoleonic era, housed in an elegant 19th-century palace on Piazza San Marco.

One of the main reasons to visit is that entry is included with your Doge’s Palace ticket, so if you’ve already paid, it makes sense to stop by. Given that it’s just across St Mark’s Square, pairing the two is the most logical way to visit.

The museum itself is split into several sections.

The Napoleonic Wing is the grandest part, originally built as a royal palace for Napoleon. It was later used by the Habsburgs and Savoys, and the rooms still reflect that regal elegance.

If you’re interested in Venetian history beyond the Renaissance, the rest of the museum takes you through maps, coins, naval artefacts, and everyday life in the Venetian Republic.

Practical Advice for Visiting Museo Correr

• Best paired with Doge’s Palace – Since your ticket already includes both, it’s worth at least a quick visit.
• A good option for history lovers – If you’re more into art, you might want to prioritise other museums first.
• Plan around your energy levels – If you’ve already spent hours at Doge’s Palace, you may not have the stamina for another museum straight after.

3 Museo di Palazzo Grimani

There are plenty of grand palaces in Venice, but Palazzo Grimani is unlike any other.

This former Renaissance residence was highly curated yet whimsical; elegant yet also unexpected. It was one of my favourite museums in Venice, not just for the art, but for the way it plays with space, proportion, and atmosphere.

The first thing that struck me was how grandly proportioned the building is—the ceilings soar, the staircases are magnificent, and there’s an almost theatrical quality to the layout.

One of the most mesmerising features is the perfectly aligned series of doorways, leading the eye toward a copy of the Laocoön sculpture on one side and the astonishing Tribuna room on the other.

The Tribuna room is the real masterpiece here, a soaring domed space filled with classical sculptures set against dark red walls.

It’s breathtakingly dramatic, and yet when I visited, I had it entirely to myself. This sense of intimacy and discovery is one of the reasons I loved Palazzo Grimani so much.

Beyond its classical grandeur, the museum also has an unexpectedly playful side.

The Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition was a highlight for me. It was filled with quirky and eclectic objects, from anatomical models to religious artefacts, placed alongside Indigenous masks and oddities from around the world.

If you love architecture, photography, or simply places that make you stop and stare, you’ll love Palazzo Grimani.

It’s not overwhelming in scale—you can easily see everything in about an hour—but it leaves a lasting impression.

It’s a museum that rewards curiosity and those who enjoy attention to detail, and for me, it was one of the most uplifting and surprising places I visited in Venice.

Practical Advice for Visiting Museo di Palazzo Grimani

• Best for: Architecture lovers, classical art enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to beautifully designed spaces.
• Don’t rush: The museum isn’t huge, but it deserves time to soak in the details.
• Great for photography: The sightlines, doorways, and light create perfectly framed compositions at every turn.

4 Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of 18th-Century Venice

Ca’ Rezzonico offers something different from most Venetian museums.

Rather than focusing on Renaissance masterpieces, it immerses you in the world of 18th-century Venice, showcasing how the city’s aristocracy lived during its final golden age.

The location alone makes it special—its main entrance is directly on the Grand Canal, accessed via a wooden bridge and floating platform, making you feel as if you’re arriving as Venetian nobility once did.

Inside, the first floor gives a sense of life in an 18th-century palace, filled with portraits, allegorical paintings, and finely crafted furniture.

One of my favourite rooms here was the Lazzarini Room, home to three grand Baroque paintings by some of the most celebrated Venetian artists of the time.

Upstairs, the highlight for me was the Tiepolo frescoes, originally painted for his own family villa. Because they were created for personal enjoyment rather than a wealthy patron, they feel playful, satirical, and refreshingly unrestrained.

The third floor shifts in tone, with deep navy walls and dark wooden beams creating a dramatic setting for 17th- and 18th-century Venetian paintings, covering mythological themes, portraiture, and religious narratives.

One of the most surprising details is the 18th-century pharmacy, a beautifully preserved, wood-panelled apothecary tucked away on the upper floors. It’s an unexpected but delightful discovery, adding yet another layer to the experience.

Even after visiting multiple museums, I found Ca’ Rezzonico to be refreshing and engaging.

It offers a different side of Venice—a glimpse into its final flourishing century, filled with opulence, artistic expression, and an undeniable sense of nostalgia.

Practical Advice for Visiting Ca’ Rezzonico

• With its front door on the Grand Canal it’s one of the most unique museum entrances in Venice.
• A great choice if you’re interested in 18th-century Venetian culture.
• The Tiepolo frescoes are a must-see, full of personality and wit.
• Don’t miss the hidden 18th-century pharmacy on the upper floor.

---

---

Best Museums/Galleries For Classical Art & Renaissance Enthusiasts

5 Gallerie dell’Accademia

If you want to understand Venetian Renaissance art, then this is where you go.

The Gallerie dell’Accademia holds the most comprehensive collection of Venetian paintings in the world, spanning from the 14th to 18th centuries.

It’s the kind of place that doesn’t just showcase art, but fully immerses you in Venice’s artistic identity, from the early religious panels to the grandeur of Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and Giorgione.

The scale of some of the works is astonishing.

I didn’t go in with a pre-made list of must-sees; instead, I let myself gravitate toward whatever pulled me in. And several paintings completely stopped me in my tracks.

There’s Carpaccio’s Crucifixion, a chaotic, almost disturbing vision of bodies hanging from trees—dark, apocalyptic, and unsettling.

Then Tintoretto’s Saint Mark Saves the Slave from Torture, where a figure tumbles mid-air, the drama heightened by extraordinary movement and expression.

And then there was Bonifacio’s Massacre of the Innocents, which I found almost unbearable to look at yet impossible to turn away from—the emotion, the terror, the violence all felt disturbingly real.

For me, the gallery was a bit of a surprise (naively in hindsight, I must admit).

Before visiting, I might have suggested skipping it in favour of somewhere like the Uffizi in Florence if you’re visit to Venice is part of a longer trip to Italy, but acutally I’d say that it completely holds its own – though dating from around the same time, the art and artists on show are quite different from the works coming out of Florence at the Renaissance.

Give yourself at least two hours here—any less, and you’ll feel like you’re rushing through something extraordinary.

As one of Venice’s earliest opening museums, I had planned on starting my day here but for various reasons, ended up finishing it at the gallery instead.

I found the museum’s closing time to be a little misleading—it says it closes at 19:00, but don’t assume you can stay until then.

I was already being ushered out by 18:40, and by 18:45, I was outside the building. If you want time to linger and are arriving towards the end of the day, make sure to arrive earlier.

Practical Advice for Visiting The Gallerie dell’Accademia

• Longer opening times— opens earlier and closes later than many other museums in Venice (although as I already mentioned, closing time is a little earlier than stated).
• If you love large-scale Renaissance art, this is a must-visit.
• At least two hours are needed if you want to take it in properly.

6 Scuola Grande di San Rocco

If Tintoretto had a Sistine Chapel, this would be it.

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a masterpiece of Venetian Baroque painting, a place where the walls and ceilings aren’t just decorated but are completely consumed by art. It exceeded my expectations completely.

When you first step inside, you’re in a vast, stone hall, lined with large-scale paintings. It’s impressive, but nothing compared to what’s upstairs.

The Upper Hall is an overwhelming space—massive canvases line the walls, while the ceiling bursts with Tintoretto’s dynamic compositions, all in gold-framed panels. It’s a lesson in visual storytelling, a cycle that covers biblical narratives in a way that feels theatrical, chaotic, and brilliantly alive.

I spent longer than expected in here, constantly craning my neck to take in the ceilings. There are mirrors available to help you look up without straining, and I’d recommend grabbing one. Without it, you’ll spend half the time dizzy from looking upwards.

One of the standout works is The Crucifixion, tucked away in a smaller room—a vast, cinematic depiction filled with movement and detail. It’s one of Tintoretto’s masterpieces, and even though it was partially under scaffolding during my visit, it was still pretty awe-inspiring.

This isn’t a museum where you walk from room to room, but more of an immersive experience where the building itself becomes the art.

If you are interested Venetian painting or even just magnificent architectural spaces, then don’t miss it.

Practical Advice for Visiting Scuola Grande di San Rocco

• Take your time—this isn’t a place to rush through, although you’ll likely be in and out in under and hour, making it one of Venice’s less taxing museum visits.
• Use the mirrors to appreciate the ceilings properly.
• Pair it with Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, just around the corner.

7 Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro

One of Venice’s most beautiful buildings, the Ca’ d’Oro is a showcase of Venetian Gothic architecture, set right on the Grand Canal.

The museum inside, the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti, is home to an intimate yet fascinating collection of Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and decorative art—although the setting itself is as much a work of art as the collection.

The entrance is easy to miss—it’s a nondescript doorway along a quiet street leading down to the vaparetto stop, and I almost walked past it.

But once inside and you’ve paid your entrance fee, you step into a stunning courtyard, a peaceful space that feels worlds away from the busy streets outside.

I didn’t know what to expect from the second-floor galleries, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed them. The religious panels—gold-leafed Madonna and Child paintings—were particularly beautiful.

If you love late medieval and early Renaissance art, this is a wonderful place to appreciate it up close. But the real highlight for many is going to be the loggia, which offers one of the best Grand Canal views in Venice.

Currently, the first floor is under renovation, which means the collection is slightly smaller than usual. But for €8, it’s still worth visiting—especially if you appreciate Venetian architecture as much as its paintings.

Practical Advice for Visiting Ca’ d’Oro

• Look out for the entrance—it’s easy to miss.
• The first floor is closed for renovation in 2025, but the second floor and loggia are open.
• Best for lovers of early Renaissance art and beautiful architecture.

---

---

Best Museums/Galleries in Venice For Modern & Contemporary Art Fans

8 Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Some museums house great art. This one feels like living with it.

Set in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home on the Grand Canal, this collection of modern masterpieces is both intimate and extraordinary.

It’s one thing to see a Picasso or a Pollock in a vast, impersonal museum space—it’s another to be inches away from them in a setting that still carries the atmosphere of a lived-in home.

The museum’s reputation for intimacy is well known, but it still struck me just how personal the space felt. There’s a distinct 1960s and ‘70s feel to it, even though it’s now a carefully curated gallery.

It’s pared back, yes, but you can still sense Guggenheim’s presence in the way the collection is displayed.

For me, Picasso was the highlight. Standing so close to such significant works, without the barriers and distance of a typical museum, was something special.

For my partner Andy, it was the Jackson Pollock, one of his favourite artists, that really stood out. And that’s the beauty of this place—different pieces will resonate with different people.

The Salvador Dalí work, Birth of Liquid Desires was another standout—striking and surreal, it pulled me in as soon as I saw it.

That said, it was busy when I visited, but that’s to be expected in peak season (July). The museum’s compact nature means there’s very little space between artworks, and it does feel more crowded than larger galleries.

Modern art is also more accessible to casual visitors, so you inevitably get some box-tickers and Instagrammers who seem more interested in proving they were here than in the art itself. But let’s not judge!

The sculpture garden offers a much-needed breather, with some rather raunchy statues tucked among the greenery. And then there’s the Grand Canal terrace, which is stunning—even I couldn’t resist having my picture taken by the water!

An hour is enough to see everything without feeling rushed. The collection is extensive but compact, making it a manageable yet deeply rewarding visit.

Practical Advice for Visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

• Expect crowds, especially in peak season.
• If you love modern art, this is unmissable.
• Don’t skip the sculpture garden and Grand Canal terrace.

9 Pinault Collection (Palazzo Grassi & Punta della Dogana)

Even before you see the art, the setting wows you.

Palazzo Grassi is a spectacular space, an 18th-century palace with a grand staircase and frescoed ceilings that sets the tone for the contemporary works inside.

It’s this contrast—classical grandeur meets modern art—that makes the Pinault Collection such a fascinating place to visit.

When I went, the exhibition was CHRONORAMA, a selection of 407 photographs from the Condé Nast archives, spanning 1910 to 1979.

It was exceptional—images from icons like Lee Miller, Cecil Beaton, and Irving Penn, all originally shot for Vogue and Vanity Fair, but standing alone as works of art in their own right.

Moving through the rooms in chronological order, I could see how fashion, photography, and society itself evolved over the decades. It made it more than an art exhibition, but also a visual history of style and culture.

As a shutterbug and lover of history, I really enjoyed the experience.

Unfortunately, I haven’t made it to Punta della Dogana yet. The last time I was in Venice, it was closed, and the time before, I just didn’t get around to it. It’s slightly out of the way, which makes it less of an obvious stop—but I’ve had friends recommend it, and it’s firmly on my list for next time.

Practical Advice for Visiting the Pinault Collection

• Palazzo Grassi is worth it for the setting alone.
• Exhibitions change frequently, so check what’s on before you go.
• Punta della Dogana is a bit out of the way—worth considering if you have extra time.

10 Ca’ Pesaro – International Gallery of Modern Art

Before even stepping inside, Ca’ Pesaro stands out. Set right on the Grand Canal, the palace itself is a masterpiece—a grand, imposing Baroque structure that feels like an unlikely home for a modern art gallery.

Getting there is part of the experience, winding through quiet, authentic streets and over charming little bridges, away from the more tourist-heavy parts of Venice.

Once inside, the ground floor alone is stunning—a vast, high-ceilinged space that opens onto the canal. Top tip: there’s a café here with glass-fronted views over the Grand Canal, a perfect place for a mid-sightseeing break.

The Permanent Collection: Modern Art in a Historic Setting

The first floor houses the permanent collection, and one of the first things that struck me was how well laid out and accessible it is.

Some modern art museums can feel confusing or sterile, but Ca’ Pesaro gets it just right. The route through the rooms is clear and structured, moving in a way that feels intuitive rather than overwhelming.

One of my highlights was Rodin’s sculptures, which set the tone as soon as you enter. There’s a particularly large group piece that immediately reminded me of Michelangelo—a connection that was later confirmed when I read that Rodin was, in fact, heavily inspired by him.

The collection as a whole is varied and engaging, even for someone who isn’t an art historian.

The rooms are arranged chronologically, covering Surrealism, Cubism, Futurism, and more, but without an excessive number of works crammed together. The curation means you can properly take in each piece without feeling visually overloaded.

This is what I loved most about Ca’ Pesaro—it doesn’t demand that you be an art expert. Even if you’re just someone who enjoys creativity, expression, and artistic experimentation, it’s an accessible and enjoyable place to visit.

I deliberately avoided researching what was here before going in, so I could experience the art with fresh eyes, and it led me to several pieces I found unexpectedly thought-provoking.

The Second Floor: Temporary Exhibitions

When I visited, the temporary exhibition on the second floor was by Chilean artist Roberto Matta. I had never encountered his work before, and his style wasn’t something I’d normally seek out, but experiencing it in such a large, well-curated space made it fascinating.

His works are huge—some are absolutely enormous—and his style is highly abstract yet visually gripping. The exhibition was laid out chronologically, which meant I could see his artistic evolution over time, particularly how his work responded to political and military conflicts.

The more I walked through, the heavier I felt. By the end, the emotional weight of his later works really hit me, and I left with a new appreciation for an artist I hadn’t known before.

The Third Floor: The Museum of Oriental Art

This is where Ca’ Pesaro takes an unexpected turn. The third floor houses the Museum of Oriental Art, which feels entirely different from everything below it.

The collection comes from Prince Enrico di Borbone, who travelled extensively through Indonesia, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia in the late 19th century, amassing over 30,000 objects. His collection was later confiscated by the Italian government during World War I and eventually made its way here.

It’s a fascinating backstory, but the museum itself felt a bit overwhelming.

The rooms are dimly lit and packed with objects, from ceremonial weapons and shields to spears and samurai swords. There’s also porcelain, lacquerware, and Buddhist statues, and while the craftsmanship is undeniable, the sheer volume of objects made it feel a bit cluttered.

For someone with a strong interest in Asian art and history, this collection would be a treasure trove.

Personally, I found the Indonesian room the most compelling, probably because I’ve spent a lot of time there myself. The shadow puppets were a highlight, as well as the Buddhist sculptures.

If you’re visiting Ca’ Pesaro mainly for the modern art, you might find the Museum of Oriental Art to be less engaging. But if you have time, it’s worth popping up for a look, even if just for the contrast.

Practical Advice for Visiting Ca’ Pesaro

• A great choice for anyone—even those who aren’t modern art experts.
• Rodin’s sculptures, the rotating exhibitions, and the layout make this museum special.
• Check what’s on the second floor—the temporary exhibitions are worth seeing.
• The Museum of Oriental Art is an interesting but very different experience.
• Make time for the café—the terrace has one of the best Grand Canal views.

---

---

Best Unique & Niche Museums in Venice

11 Museo Fortuny

Walking into Museo Fortuny felt like stepping into an artist’s private world—a place overflowing with creativity, experimentation, and artistic passion.

This was one of my favourite museum experiences in Venice, and I found myself completely enraptured by the sheer breadth of Fortuny’s genius.

Though best known for his textile and fashion designs, Fortuny was also a painter, set designer, engraver, photographer, and theatrical innovator. His talents seemed boundless, and his home—now the museum—reflects that eclecticism.

The first floor preserves his living quarters, filled with his personal collections, textiles, and portrait paintings, including intimate depictions of his wife. It’s bohemian yet grand, an elegant mix of opulence and artistic freedom.

The second floor houses his atelier, where you can see his famous textile designs, engravings, photography, and stage-set models, including concepts for his revolutionary theatre lighting dome.

What I loved most about Museo Fortuny was how immersive it felt.

The museum isn’t overwhelming—you can explore it in 45 minutes to an hour, making it a perfect choice for when you want something culturally enriching without the time commitment of a major gallery. It also feels peaceful and uncrowded, an ideal escape from Venice’s busier attractions.

Practical Advice for Visiting Museo Fortuny

• Perfect for those interested in textiles, design, and multi-disciplinary creativity.
• A great option for a more intimate museum experience.
• You don’t need prior knowledge of Fortuny to be completely fascinated.

12 Murano Glass Museum

Venice is world-famous for its Murano glass, and this museum is the best place to understand its history, craftsmanship, and artistic evolution.

Located on Murano Island, the museum is housed in a former bishop’s palace and holds the world’s largest historical collection of Murano glass.

The exhibits trace the development of glassmaking from ancient Roman times to the intricate, colourful pieces we associate with Murano today.

Expect to see everything from delicate 15th-century goblets to ornate chandeliers and avant-garde contemporary glass sculptures.

I think this would be particularly interesting for anyone who enjoys traditional craftsmanship or wants to learn more about one of Venice’s most famous exports.

If you’re already planning a trip to Murano to visit its glass workshops, this museum would be the perfect starting point.

Practical Advice for Visiting Murano Glass Museum

• Best paired with a visit to Murano’s working glass studios.
• A great choice for those interested in craftsmanship and Venetian heritage.

13 Burano Lace Museum – Preserving a Delicate Venetian Tradition

While Murano is known for glass, Burano has its own famous craft—lace-making.

This small but fascinating museum is dedicated to the intricate, handwoven lace that has been produced in Burano for centuries.

The museum’s collection features delicate Venetian lacework dating back to the 16th century, showcasing the astonishing skill required to create these intricate patterns.

From what I know, this museum coves more than just the lacemaking itself. It’s also about the women who made it, the tradition that was passed down through generations, and how this delicate craft once played a major role in Venetian trade.

I think this would be a great stop for textile and fashion enthusiasts or anyone interested in traditional craftsmanship. If you’re already visiting Burano for its colourful houses, this museum is an easy and worthwhile addition to your trip.

Practical Advice for Visiting Burano Lace Museum

• Best combined with a visit to Burano’s colourful streets.
• A must for those interested in textiles, fashion, or fine craftsmanship.
• Expect a small but well-curated collection.

14 Da Vinci Museum

Dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering genius, this museum brings his inventions and mechanical designs to life through interactive exhibits and wooden models of his machines. ​

From what I know, this would be a solid stop for families or anyone fascinated by science, engineering, or Renaissance innovation.

Unlike traditional art galleries, this museum is all about interaction—visitors can engage with working models of da Vinci’s machines, including early flying contraptions, war devices, and mechanical experiments that were centuries ahead of their time. ​

Beyond the models, the museum also features copies of da Vinci’s famous notebooks, filled with sketches, anatomical studies, and engineering blueprints.

His ability to merge art, science, and mechanics is on full display, making this an educational yet engaging experience. ​

It’s not a large museum, so I’d imagine you could comfortably see everything in about an hour. But for those who love hands-on learning and inventive thinking, it would be a memorable and worthwhile stop.​

Practical Advice for Visiting Da Vinci Museum

• Ideal for families, science lovers, and anyone fascinated by innovation.​
• Hands-on exhibits make it one of the more interactive museums in Venice.​
• A great choice if you’re looking for something beyond traditional art galleries.​

15 Museo della Musica

Venice has a deep musical heritage, and this museum—housed in the beautiful Church of San Maurizio—celebrates its history of instrument-making, composition, and performance.

The Antonio Vivaldi and His Time collection is the highlight, displaying a fascinating range of antique string instruments that were crafted by master luthiers during Venice’s golden age of music.

If you have an appreciation for violins, cellos, and harpsichords, or just love classical music, this is a wonderful little stop.

From what I recall from my visit years ago, the museum is compact but beautifully curated. It gives you a real sense of Venice’s role in shaping Baroque music, as well as its influence on instrument craftsmanship across Europe.

The fact that it’s located inside a historic Venetian church only adds to the atmosphere—it’s easy to imagine these instruments filling the space with music centuries ago.

For those who love classical music, or even just enjoy wandering through Venice’s quieter, more atmospheric spots, this would be a rewarding and intimate experience.

Practical Advice for Visiting Museo della Musica

• A must for music lovers and those interested in Venice’s artistic legacy.
• A short but enriching visit—easy to combine with other nearby sights.

---

---

Map of Best Venice Museums & Galleries

Should You Get the Venice Museum Pass? (Here’s When It’s Worth It)

The Venice Museum Pass is a logical choice if you’re visiting three or more civic museums, especially since it includes Doge’s Palace, which alone costs €30.

Cost Breakdown:

• Doge’s Palace + Museo Correr combo = €30
• Ca’ Rezzonico = €10
• Ca’ Pesaro = €10 (€14 from October 2024)
• Museo Fortuny = €10
• Murano Glass Museum + Burano Lace Museum = €12

Total cost of individual tickets (if visiting three or more museums) easily exceeds €40.

When the Museum Pass saves you money:

• If you’re visiting Doge’s Palace plus any two civic museums, you break even or save money.
• If you plan to visit four or more museums, it provides a significant discount.
• It gives flexibility, as the pass is valid for six months, so you don’t have to rush your visits.

Museum Pass Price:

• €40 full / €22 reduced (ages 6-14, students 15-25, over 65)
• Where to Buy: Online via the Venice MUVE website or at participating museums.

Insider Tip

If you’re visiting fewer than three civic museums, buying individual tickets may be better—but otherwise, the Venice Museum Pass is a smart investment.

Best Ways to Get Around Venice’s Museums

Venice is compact and walkable, but some museums require a bit of planning.

Walking – The best way to explore most museums. Many are within 10 to 15 minutes of each other.

Vaporetto (Water Bus) – Needed for museums on Murano and Burano.

• €9.50 per ride (valid for 75 minutes)
• Best deal: €25 for a 24-hour pass if using multiple times
• Key stops:
  • Murano Glass Museum: Vaporetto Line 4.1 / 4.2 (Museo stop)
  • Burano Lace Museum: Vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamenta Nuove

Traghetto Gondola Ferry – A cheap (€2) way to cross the Grand Canal without walking all the way to the next bridge. For example, I used the Santa Sofia service to quickly get across the Grand Canal from Ca’Pesaro to Galleria Giorgio Franchetti (Ca’ d’Oro).

How to Choose the Right Museums for You

Venice has so many museums that trying to see too many can be overwhelming. Here’s how to pick the ones that suit you best.

1. Identify Your Priority

• For first-time visitors: Doge’s Palace, Gallerie dell’Accademia, and one smaller museum (such as Scuola Grande di San Rocco).
• For art lovers: Accademia, Guggenheim, Ca’ Pesaro, Palazzo Grimani.
• For history buffs: Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Ca’ Rezzonico.
• For something unique: Museo Fortuny, Palazzo Grimani, Murano Glass Museum.

2. Mix Large and Small Museums

Pair a larger museum (which takes two or more hours) with a smaller, 45-minute one.

• Doge’s Palace and Museo Correr (same ticket)
• Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• Ca’ Pesaro and Scuola Grande di San Rocco

3. Consider Location

• St. Mark’s Square (San Marco District): Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Museo di Palazzo Grimani.
• Dorsoduro: Gallerie dell’Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ca’ Rezzonico.
• San Polo & Santa Croce (Atmospheric & Less Touristy): Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Ca’ Pesaro (Modern Art & Oriental Art Museum), Natural History Museum (not covered in this guide, but worth noting).
• Cannaregio (Quieter & Local Feel): Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro.
• Murano & Burano (Island Museums – Requires Vaporetto Ride): Murano Glass Museum, Burano Lace Museum.

How to Avoid Museum Fatigue

It’s easy to get overwhelmed—Venice’s museums are dense with detail, and after a while, even masterpieces can blur together. Here’s how I suggest you stay engaged during your visits.

1. Don’t Overload Your Day

• Limit yourself to two or three museums per day (one large, one small).
• Take breaks in between—find a café, stroll along a canal, or just sit and soak up the city.

2. Visit at the Right Time

• Go early or late to avoid peak crowds.
• Doge’s Palace, Accademia, and Guggenheim are busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon.

3. Use the Museum’s Flow to Your Advantage

• Some museums, like Ca’ Pesaro, have one-way routes that make navigating easy.
• Others, like Accademia, let you explore at your own pace—so don’t feel pressured to see everything.

4. Switch It Up
   If you’ve spent hours on Renaissance paintings, your brain will need a reset. Break it up with:

• A sculpture-heavy museum (Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Palazzo Grimani).
• A decorative arts space (Museo Fortuny, Ca’ Rezzonico).
• A completely different experience (Murano Glass Museum).

---

---

My Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Venice

If you’re short on time, these are the museums that left the strongest impression on me—whether for their atmosphere, collections, or simply how they made me feel.

1. Museo Fortuny – I was completely drawn in by the creative energy here. Fortuny’s textiles, photography, and theatrical designs make this feel like stepping inside a true artist’s world.
2. Doge’s Palace – A place of power, wealth, and control. Walking through the lavish halls and then into the grim prison cells was an unforgettable contrast. The Secret Itineraries Tour made it even better.
3. Palazzo Grimani – This museum took me by surprise. The grand architecture, theatrical rooms, and the Tribuna filled with classical sculptures made it one of the most visually stunning spaces I visited.
4. Peggy Guggenheim Collection – An intimate, personal way to experience modern art. Seeing masterpieces by Picasso and Pollock in what was once Peggy Guggenheim’s home made this visit feel truly special.
5. Ca’ Pesaro – A beautifully curated mix of modern art and sculpture in a grand palazzo. I loved the Rodin pieces and found the temporary exhibition upstairs unexpectedly moving.

---

---

Continue Planning Your Trip To Venice

Venice’s museums and galleries add so much depth to exploring the city—whether it’s standing in front of a Renaissance masterpiece, discovering bold modern art, or wandering through a palace that feels like a time capsule.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow down which ones to visit and how to plan them into your trip.

Now that you know which museums to visit, it’s time to plan the rest of your trip. See my essential guide to things to do in Venice (coming soon) for must-see sights beyond the galleries. Check out my food guide if you’re a foodie looking for authentic places to eat in Venice.

Need practical advice? My guide on the essential things to know before visiting Venice breaks down everything from transport to avoiding tourist traps. And if you’re wondering where to stay in Venice, I’ve put together a detailed guide to help you find the best area for your trip.

If you’re short on time, my 2-day Venice itinerary (coming soon) and 3-day Venice itinerary (coming soon) will help you plan the perfect route. Want to experience Venice’s canals properly? Here’s how to get a gondola ride (coming soon) without the hassle.

And if you’re still deciding what’s worth your time, check out my review of the Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour (coming soon) or my honest take on whether Venice is worth visiting.

You can find all our related content on visiting La Serenissima below, or on our dedicated Venice content hub.