Peggy Guggenheim Collection : From the setting of an unfinished palace to modern art by some of the world's greatest masters, this is a fascinating side of Venice you might not expect
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Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Unfinished palace of modern art

Modern art collection assembled by Peggy Guggenheim herself and displayed in her former home on the Grand Canal.

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What makes this place special

A fresh take on art

The collection presents a vast array of artworks from modern artistic movements like Cubism, Surrealism and Futurism, providing a refreshing contrast to Venice's ornate Gothic and Baroque heritage.

Represented artists

Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Paul Klee, Max Ernst, Alberto Giacometti, Wassily Kandinsky, Constantin Brâncuși just to name a few.

The setting

There's something intriguing about the 'unfinished palace' - as Palazzo Venier dei Leoni is often called. While financial troubles played a role, whispers of rivalries and behind-the-scenes tensions add an extra layer of mystery to its halted construction.

The curator

In July 1949, after falling in love with Venice, Peggy Guggenheim purchased the palazzo and the garden behind it. She resided there for another 30 years, generously opening her home and collection to the public.

A rarity

Where else in the world is the curator buried within the very walls of the museum? In a quiet corner of the sculpture garden, Peggy Guggenheim rests alongside her 14 Lhasa Apsos - her beloved dogs affectionately nicknamed her 'babies'.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection : It must be a truly special - and rare - museum where the curator, along with her cherished pets, rests forever within its very walls

Discover more about Peggy Guggenheim Collection through 20 photos with explanations.

Open gallery

What to experience here

  • The collection is perfect for modern art lovers and anyone craving a break from traditional Venetian art.
  • Unwind in the serene sculpture garden, where plants and art engage in a living dialogue.
  • Enjoy close-up views of the Grand Canal from the canal-facing terrace - and try not to feel intimidated by the explicit statue of the man on horseback.

Tickets

Tickets can be bought on site or booked online in advance.

As they often sell out, booking ahead is the best way to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.

Don't miss the free talks

At set times throughout the day (usually 2–4 times daily), the museum offers two short, free talks for its visitors.

The Art Talk (10–15 minutes) focuses on a single artwork in the collection, while the 15-minute Peggy Talk delves into the life of Peggy Guggenheim.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection : An old photograph of Peggy Guggenheim with one of her dogs, with the Accademia Bridge in the background

Presentations are given in either Italian or English, depending on guide availability.

Check the schedule on the official website

Join a guided tour

Alongside the free talks, the museum runs 1-hour guided tours on select days, once or twice daily, at set times.

Expect to pay about €10 extra per person on top of the entry ticket.

A guided tour brings the gallery's most prominent works to life, while revealing how Peggy Guggenheim's personal connections with the artists add another dimension to the collection.

For instance, her relationship with Jackson Pollock is a fascinating example: impressed by his raw talent, she became an important early supporter of his work, helping promote and sell his paintings and establish his career.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection : This room features works by Jackson Pollock, including 'Alchemy' (1947), one of his earliest and most important 'drip' or poured paintings

If the museum tours don't fit your schedule, a more flexible third-party guided tour can be a good alternative.

These usually last about 2 hours and include entry tickets.

Virtual tour

Still undecided whether to go?

The official online gallery features 600+ artworks from the collection.

Visit online collection

What to see nearby

These attractions are within walking distance of Peggy Guggenheim Collection:

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