16 Best Museums in Venice, Italy

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Venice is often described as a living museum, with its spectacular architecture, charming canals, and picturesque sights. Yet, beyond its scenic streets, there are also many fantastic museums to explore.

From grand palaces filled with Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art spaces and textile and design museums, my favorite being the Museo Fortuny, here’s a list of the best museums to visit in Venice.

Best Museums in Venice, Italy

1. Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

The Doge’s Palace was the residence of the Doge, Venice’s chief magistrate, and served as the government’s headquarters for centuries. Built in a distinctive Gothic style, the palace is filled with lavish rooms, including the Chamber of the Great Council, one of the largest rooms in Europe.

The palace is also home to the infamous Bridge of Sighs, which leads to the old prisons, where convicts would take their last glimpse of Venice before imprisonment.

I recommend booking a guided tour of the palace, as it can feel quite overwhelming visiting on your own.

Being one of the top sights in Venice, the Doge’s palace is extremely busy and advance reservations are highly recommended. Reserve your ticket online at the official website. Tickets cost €30 if purchased within 30 days of your visit, or €25 if purchased more than 30 days before your visit.

The Doge’s Palace is open everyday from:

April 1 – October 31 between 9:00am – 7:00pm (last entry at 6:00 pm)
November 1 – March 31 between 9:00am – 6:00pm (last entry at 5:00pm)

Check the official website for updated hours and prices. This is included in the Venice Museum Pass.

2. Gallerie dell’Accademia

The Gallerie dell’Accademia, located in the Dorsoduro district, houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Venetian art in the world. Established in 1750, the museum was originally part of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia, a prestigious fine arts school.

Today, you can discover the museum’s incredible collection of Renaissance masterpieces, featuring works by artists, such as Titian and Bellini. “The Vitruvian Man” by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the museum’s most famous pieces, although it is rarely on display due to its delicate condition.

The museum is open on Monday from 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM (ticket office closes at 1:00 PM). Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 7:15 PM (ticket office closes at 6:15 PM.

Admission is €15 per person; however, if you arrive before 9:15AM, you can purchase a reduced ticket for €10. Tickets are available either online or upon arrival – there is no need to reserve in advance. For more information, visit the official website.

3. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This museum, located in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, houses one of the most important collections of modern art in Italy. Guggenheim was a passionate art collector, and her collection includes works by Picasso, Pollock, Dalí, and other major 20th-century artists.

The museum has a peaceful garden, filled with sculptures, as well as a sit-down cafe. Make sure to go to the terrace to enjoy the views along the Grand Canal.

Note: I visited around midday, and it was very crowded. The rooms are small, making it difficult to fully appreciate the art with so many people. I recommend visiting either right when it opens or later in the afternoon, closer to closing time, for a more enjoyable experience.

The museum is open Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays) from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM with the last entrance at 5:00 PM. You can purchase tickets online in advance; however, you shouldn’t have a problem purchasing tickets in person upon arrival. I got mine the day of and the line was quick.

4. Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art and Oriental Art Museum

Located in Venice’s Santa Croce neighborhood, Ca’ Pesaro is a grand 17th-century palace originally built for the Pesaro family. In 1902, it was converted into Venice’s Modern Art Gallery.

This impressive gallery showcases works by Klimt, Rodin, Chagall, and other influential 19th and 20th-century artists. The palace is also home to the Oriental Art Museum, which includes an excellent collection of decorative pieces, including porcelain, silk paintings, and other rare artifacts.

After your visit, don’t miss the covered cafe by the Grand Canal – a perfect spot to relax with a drink and take in the views.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from:

April 1st to October 21st from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
November 1st to March 31st from 10:00 Am – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)

Tickets cost €10 per person and can be purchased upon arrival. For updated information, check out the official website.

5. Museo Correr

Museo Correr, located in St. Mark’s Square, is housed in the grand rooms of the Napoleonic Wing, which was originally built as a royal palace for Napoleon. The museum is named after Teodoro Correr, an avid art collector who built up an impressive collection of Venetian paintings, artifact, and objects during his lifetimes.

After his death, Correr’s collection was donated to the city, forming the basis of Venice’s Civic Collections. Today, the museum offers a journey through Venetian history with beautifully adorned rooms featuring fine arts, historical maps, coins, and various artifacts.

You can also purchase tickets to tour the recently restored Royal Apartments, once home to the Bonaparte, Habsburg, and Savoy dynasties, now renovated to reflect their original design and decor.

The Correr Museum is part of a combined ticket with the Doge’s Palace, priced at €30 per person, or €25 if purchased over 30 days in advance. Since time slots for the Doge’s Palace often fill up quickly, I recommend to book tickets online in advance.

Alternatively, a guided tour of the Royal Apartments, which includes entry to the Correr Museum, is also available for reservation. You can reserve a time slot for the tour here.

This is included in the Venice Museum Pass.

READ ALSO: IS VENICE WORTH VISITING?

6. Ca’ Rezzonico (Museum of 18th Century Venice)

Ca’ Rezzonico is a stunning palace on the Grand Canal, now a museum dedicated to 18th-century Venetian life. Originally designed by renowned architect Baldassare Longhena and later completed by Giorgio Massari, the palace is a prime example of Venetian Baroque architecture.

Inside, you can explore lavishly decorated grand halls and ballrooms filled with period furniture, frescoes, and artworks that transport you back to Venice’s aristocratic past.

Don’t miss the recreation of the Farmacia Ai do San Marchi on the third floor, an authentic 17th-century apothecary complete with original medicine jars and tools.

The museum is open Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays) from:

April 1st to October 31st from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
November 1st to March 31st from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:00 PM)

Tickets cost €10 per person and can be purchased at the museum. For more information, visit the official website. This is included in the Venice Museum Pass.

7. Museo Fortuny

Housed in the Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei (also known as the Palazzo Fortuny), this museum is dedicated to Mariano Fortuny, a Spanish artist known for his work in fashion, art, photography, and textiles. The museum preserves his eclectic designs and inventions in his former home and studio.

The walls are draped in sumptuous fabrics and textiles, designed by Fortuny himself, along with his family’s personal collection of artworks and objects from their travels. This is one of my favorite small museums in Venice, and it is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in art and design.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the museum and cost €10 per person. Opening hours are Wednesday to Monday (closed on Tuesday) from:

April 1st to October 31st from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
November 1st March 31st from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)

For more information, visit the official website. This is included in the Venice Museum Pass.

READ ALSO: ONE DAY IN VENICE ITINERARY

8. Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro

One of my favorite museums in Venice, this gallery is housed in the stunning Ca’ d’Oro (Golden House) and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture along the Grand Canal. The museum is home to Giorgio Franchetti’s diverse collection of Renaissance art, sculptures, and tapestries.

The palazzo itself is a masterpiece, with its intricate marble mosaic floors in the inner courtyard and a balcony offering some of the best views of the Grand Canal.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed Mondays). Tickets are €8 per person, and there’s no need to reserve in advance. For more details, visit the official website.

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9. Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a remarkable Renaissance building, renowned for its extraordinary cycle of paintings by Jacopo Tintoretto, who spent over 20 years creating these masterpieces throughout the 16th century. The large canvases depict dramatic scenes from both the Old and New Testaments, showcasing Tintoretto’s mastery of light, shadow, and composition.

Tintoretto was commissioned by the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a prominent confraternity known for its charitable work and dedication to St. Roch, the patron saint of plague victims. The building also houses relics of St. Roch, which made it an important spiritual center.

This unique museum is well worth a visit for art and history lovers. Tickets cost €10 per person, and it is open everyday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. You can find more information the official website.

10. Museo di Palazzo Grimani

The Palazzo Grimani Museum is a true hidden gem in Venice and a personal favorite. Once the residence of the influential Grimani family, this Renaissance palace boasts marble-clad rooms, intricate ceiling frescoes, and a remarkable collection of classical sculptures.

The Tribuna, inspired by Roman architecture, is the palace’s most breathtaking room, designed to showcase the Grimani family’s most prized sculptures and artifacts.

Another highlight is the Sala a Fogliami, with its spectacular ceiling frescoes by Camillo Mantovano, featuring lush foliage, exotic birds, and mythological figures. In addition to its historic rooms, the museum hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM). Tickets cost €14 – you can also purchase a combined ticket with the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro for €16. For up-to-date information, visit the official website.

11. Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro)

Located on Murano Island, this museum celebrates Venice’s renowned glass-making tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages. Founded in 1861, it traces the history of glass from ancient Egypt to modern Murano pieces.

The museum’s highlights include exquisite glass sculptures, intricate chandeliers, and beautifully crafted tableware. I particularly loved learning about the “Millefiori” technique, where tiny pieces of glass or rods are melted together to create vibrant floral patterns.

If you’re taking a day trip to Murano, this museum is a must-see and doesn’t take long to explore.

The museum is open every day from:

April 1st to October 31st from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
November 1st to March 31st from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 pm)

Tickets cost €10 per person. For more information, visit the official website. This is included in the Venice Museum Pass.

READ ALSO: 15 WONDERFUL DAY TRIPS FROM VENICE

12. Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo (Costume and Perfume Museum)

Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, located in a 17th-century Venetian palace, is dedicated to the history of Venetian fashion, textiles, and perfume. Originally home to the noble Mocenigo family, the palace itself is a marvel with richly decorated interiors and frescoed ceilings.

The museum’s costume collection displays historic costumes and period clothing from the 17th to 18th centuries. The perfume section includes a recreated fragrance laboratory where you can learn about the ingredients and techniques used in historical Venetian perfumes and even sample scents inspired by ancient recipes.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from:

April 1st to October 31st from 10:00 to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM).
November 1st to March 31st from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM).

Tickets cost €10 per person. This is included in the Venice Museum Pass. For more information, check the official website.

13. Burano Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto)

The Museo del Merletto is a small museum on the colorful island of Burano, known for its lace-making tradition. The museum takes you through the history of Burano lace, dating back to the 16th century.

Inside, you’ll find drawers filled with historic lace pieces, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and artistry of the local artisans.

You only need 30 minutes to visit this museum.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3:30 PM). Tickets cost €5 per person. This is included in the Venice museum pass.

READ MORE: DAY TRIP GUIDE TO BURANO & MURANO

14. Da Vinci Museum

Located near Piazza San Marco, the Da Vinci Museum celebrates the genius of Leonardo da Vinci through interactive exhibits and replicas of his inventions. The museum provides hands-on models of Da Vinci’s machines, sketches, and notebooks, includes life-size replicas of his designs.

This is a great museum for children and families.

The museum is open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Tickets cost €9. For more information on reduced tickets and hours, visit the official website .

15. Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a house museum, contemporary art exhibition space, and an architecture-lover’s dream. Not only does the museum house an impressive collection of art, with works by Bellini and Tiepolo, but also an incredible contemporary garden designed by architect Carlo Scarpa.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Tickets cost €15. For more information, visit the official website.

16. Pinault Collection

The Pinault Collection is a renowned contemporary art collection housed in two iconic Venetian sites: the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana. The collection features rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art from celebrated international artists.

Full price tickets cost €18. Both museums are open Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays) from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For more information, visit the official website.

Venice Museum Pass

The Venice Museum Pass grants access to the St. Mark’s Square museums and Cvic Museums, including:

Doge’s Palace (+ Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana) – €30 full price
Ca’ Rezzonico – €10 full price
Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo – €10 full price
Carlo Goldoni’s House – €5 full price
Ca’ Pesaro – €10 full price
Murano Glass Museum – €10 full price
Burano Lace Museum – €5 full price
Natural History Museum – €10 full price
Fortuny Museum – €10 full price

The pass costs €40 for entry to all of the above museums. If you visit the Doge’s Palace and just one other museum, the pass already covers its cost.

Is the museum pass worth it? Based on the savings alone, I think it is definitely worth it.

You can purchase the pass online at the official Venice MUVE website.

Other Combined Ticket Options

There are a few additional combined ticket options that you can take advantage of if you aren’t interested in purchasing the museum pass. You can buy these combined passes at one of the museums in person or online here.

Murano Glass Museum + Burano Lace Museum = €12 combined ticket (savings of €3)
Ca’ Pesaro + Fortuny Museum = €15 combined ticket (savings of €5)
Ca’ Rezzonico + Palazzo Mocenigo + Carlo Goldoni’s House = €15 combined ticket (savings of €10)

Additionally, you can also purchase a combined ticket for the Palazzo Grimani and Galleria Giorgio Franchetti Alla Ca’ D’Oro for €15, which I highly recommend doing.