Venice is a city oozing history, art, and culture, making its museums some of the most visited in the world. From public (owned by the Italian state) to private collections, each museum serves as a vital repository of Venetian heritage.
Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or simply looking to explore something beyond the city’s iconic sights, these museums offer an enriching experience.
From the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace to the delicate craftsmanship of Murano glass and Burano lace, this guide covers some of the top museums you should visit for a full dive into Venice’s artistic and cultural legacy.
Maddy’s Venice Museum List
1. Doge’s Palace and Museum Pass
The Doge’s Palace is one of the most important city landmarks, a tribute to the political power and wealth of La Serenissima.
It was once the seat of the Venetian Republic. This palace is an incredible example of Gothic architecture and it’s famous for its institutional chambers, grand staircases and gates like the Paper Door and the Giants Staircase and frescoes by Venetian artists such as Titian and Tintoretto.
You can explore at your own time and pace the stunning chambers and Doge’s Apartments, as well as the Bridge of Sighs leading to prisons, by purchasing the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square museum pass.
In fact, with the same ticket to access the Doge’s Palace, you can visit the civic museums in St. Mark’s Square. You can also purchase the Museum Pass and have free entrance to other 9 museums around the city.
+ Doge’s Palace and Museum Pass
2. Ca’ Rezzonico Museum
Ca’ Rezzonico is an 18th-century palace-turned-museum overlooking the Grand Canal. The museum houses more than 10 rooms showcasing paintings and sculptures, frescoed ceilings by Giambattista Tiepolo, as well as period furniture.
If you want to have a glimpse into life in Venice in the 18th century, this is the perfect museum to visit. You can take a step back in time and feel like a Venetian nobleman or woman walking around ballrooms, apartments, and also a reconstructed pharmacy. If you purchase the museum pass, this museum is a must! You can also get the single ticket in advance.
3. Murano Glass Museum
This museum is not based in Venice’s historic centre but in Murano island. The Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) helps you understand how the glassmaking tradition was born and how it developed over the centuries. It’s worth knowing that if you purchased the museum pass, you can visit this museum and the Lace museum in Burano.
The museum is housed in Palazzo Giustinian and displays an incredible collection of glass artifacts dating back to the Roman era. You can expect to admire refined glass chandeliers, but also goblets, and intricate sculptures. The most interesting part is learning about the techniques and innovations that have made Murano glass famous worldwide.
4. Palazzo Fortuny Venice
Palazzo Fortuny is a hidden gem that most tourists skip, but I’m sure you won’t regret adding it to your itinerary. Why? The Gothic palace once belonged to the Spanish fashion designer Mariano Fortuny. The house-museum preserves his eclectic artistic legacy, including textiles, photography, and painting collections.
You can learn a lot about an artist and collectionist for the spaces where they lived. This is a once-in-a-kind collection in an even more unique setting: a Venetian palace. The blend of antique furniture, dark and deep coloured walls and dramatic lighting makes the entire experience mesmerising. This museum is also included in the museum pass, but you can also purchase the entrance ticket separately.
5. Natural History Museum of Venice
Housed in one of the most beautiful buildings overlooking the Grand Canal, the Fondaco dei Turchi, the Natural History Museum of Venice offers an engaging exploration of nature and science.
I believe this museum is perfect to visit if you’re travelling with children and teenagers. It’s also perfect for any nature lover that wants to learn more about the unique ecosystem of the Venetian lagoon. There are both interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that make the entire museum visit an engaging experience.
+ Natural History Museum of Venice
6. Palazzo Mocenigo
Palazzo Mocenigo is a fascinating museum that many visitors already told me they enjoyed visiting. This museum gives you the chance to look into Venetian fashion and perfume-making. The 17th-century palace houses a collection of luxurious period furnishings, rich textiles, and a dedicated section on the history of fragrance production in Venice.
You can walk through 20 rooms adorned with frescoes and learn about the city’s pivotal role in the perfume trade. The museum also features an interactive perfume-making exhibit, allowing you to experience a sensorial journey through the scents of ancient Venice.
7. Ca’ Pesaro Museum
If you love modern art, then you should really visit Ca’ Pesaro. The museum is housed in a magnificent Baroque palace overlooking the Grand Canal. It features an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century artworks, including pieces by Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, and Kandinsky. With the same entrance ticket, you can visit the Oriental Art museum dedicated to Oriental art, displaying Japanese prints, Chinese ceramics, and sculptures.
8. Museums of Islands (Museo delle Isole)
The Museums of Islands is a combined ticket to visit both the Glass Museum in Murano and the Lace Museum in Burano. If you’re planning to visit both islands, and want to learn more about each of the centuries old traditions that distinguish them, then you should consider visiting these museums.
Each of these islands have a unique history, traditions and craftsmanship that even if interrelated with Venice city, it’s different and worth getting to know.
+ Museums of Islands (Museo delle Isole): Entry Ticket
9. Lace Museum: Skip The Line
Located on the colourful island of Burano, the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) celebrates the intricate art of Venetian lace-making.
Housed in the historic Lace School, the museum takes on a journey through the history of this tradition and showcases lace masterpieces, antique designs, and tools used by artisans over the centuries.
You can also witness live demonstrations of traditional lace-making techniques by local ladies (merlettaie) and learn about Burano’s rich artisanal heritage.
Exploring Venice’s Must-Visit Museums
These museums in Venice offer a deeper understanding of this city’s past, starting from popular museums like the Doge’s Palace to lesser known places like Ca’ Rezzonico or the Lace museum.
By visiting these institutions, travelers gain a better understanding of Venice’s history, making their trip even more memorable.
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