Exploring Venice's Civic Museums

Grand palace of power, ceremony, and justice, the political heart of Venice for centuries. Behind its ornate facade are vast painted halls, intricate chambers of government, and even prisons connected by the Bridge of Sighs.

It's one of the rare places where you can experience both the elegance and the severity of Venetian power in a single visit.

You move from majestic halls filled with art into the quiet weight of the old prisons.

It is this contrast of beauty, power, and justice in one place that makes the Doge's Palace visit unforgettable.

There are also several ways to experience the palace, from a standard visit to guided tours such as the Secret Itineraries tour, which takes you into rooms otherwise closed to the public, including the torture and Inquisition chambers.

Prominent museum in an opulent setting, showcasing Venice's treasured artworks and rich history.

Included with your Doge's Palace ticket, the museum takes you through the elegant rooms of the grand buildings flanking St. Mark's Square while revealing how Venice grew into one of Europe's most fascinating cities.

There's plenty to discover inside, from Antonio Canova's exquisite marble sculptures to the monumental halls of the Biblioteca Marciana, one of Italy's oldest public libraries.

Renaissance clock tower crowned by two bronze giants who have struck its monumental bell to mark the hours for centuries.

The real marvel lies inside: a 500-year-old technological masterpiece of intricate gears and ingenious engineering, still fascinating to see today.

Climb higher and you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over St. Mark's Square and Venice.

Magnificent palace museum revealing the art, luxury, and daily life of Venice's aristocratic golden age.

Step back in time to Venice's Age of Decadence with a visit to this opulent residence, one of the few open to the public.

Gothic palace and former home of Mariano Fortuny, now a museum celebrating his eclectic work in art, fashion, and design.

In the warm and inviting ambiance of Mariano Fortuny's former residence, the array of art is beyond words.

With each display suggesting that the artistic work is still unfolding, you'll feel as though the artist could step into the room at any given moment, ready to continue his creative journey.

Museum that transports visitors into the everyday world of Venetian nobility during the Republic's golden age.

Immerse yourself in a bygone era through richly detailed décor, lavish historic garments, and an interactive fragrance exhibition.

Two contrasting art collections inside a grand canalside palace, accessible with a single ticket.

From modern art to one of Europe's most important Oriental collections, Ca' Pesaro offers enough depth to justify a visit beyond its grand canalside palace setting.

Museum of natural history exploring millions of years of life through fossils, rare specimens, and discoveries from Venetian expeditions.

An excellent choice for families with older children and anyone curious about nature, science, or the history of exploration.

Museum dedicated to Venetian theatre, set in the former home of the renowned playwright Carlo Goldoni.

Explore the history of Venetian theatre and admire the unique puppet theater, along with its displayed marionettes.

Museum exploring the history of glassmaking, featuring works from ancient times to contemporary Murano craftsmanship.

You get to appreciate the artistry and decorative applications of this captivating material in the world's largest historical collection of Murano glass.

Museum offering an intimate look at Burano's most famous craft: traditional lacemaking.

Step inside the original 19th-century Lace School to explore a delicate world of handmade lace, where hundreds of historic works reveal the beauty born of the painstaking work behind this disappearing art.