16 best museums in Venice for history and art

Venice is known for many things. It’s one of the world’s most romantic cities, and its iconic landmarks are recognized all over the world. It’s also incredibly beautiful at night. The best things to do in Venice include everything from strolling along the canals when the sun goes down to exploring its most famous museums.

Venice’s museums cover every part of the spectrum. From dinosaur skeletons to Renaissance paintings at Venice’s best art museums, there’s something for everyone. See Jackson Pollock’s originals or marvel at the luxury of the days of the Venetian Republic. Whatever you’re into, the best museums in Venice have something for fans of art, history, and culture.

Venice’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for art: Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Best museum for history: Palazzo Ducale

Best museums for families: Creature di Gomma Exhibition

1. Doge’s Palace

Best for architecture fans

Why should I visit the Doge’s Palace?

The opulent Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian political power, is the place to visit to learn about the grandeur of the Venetian Republic. Wander the Hall of the Great Council, explore the ornate Doge’s Apartments, and wander over the haunting Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the prison. This living museum has blended architectural beauty and history and is one of Venice’s top landmarks.

How long should I spend at the Doge’s Palace?

Doge’s Palace has so much to see, so you should plan to spend about three hours here.

Insider tip

For a more comprehensive view of Venetian history, explore the less-visited areas, such as the prison cells connected by the Bridge of Sighs.

Address

1 P.za San Marco, Venezia VE, Italy1, P.za San Marco,Venezia VE, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Sunday-Thursday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; and Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

2. Naval Museum

Best for fans of maritime history

Why should I visit the Naval Museum?

The Museo Storico Navale is a must for anyone who wants to learn about the rise of the Venetian Republic. Venice was a true seafaring power, and this museum houses model ships and artifacts from centuries gone by, including beautiful traditional galleons.

How long should I spend at the Naval Museum?

Plan to spend about one to two hours at the Naval Museum in Venice to explore its maritime artifacts, ship models, and uniforms.

Insider tip

Take a close look at the historic models. Many of these were made centuries ago when the Venetian boatmakers would create scale models of their planned ships instead of making blueprints.

Address

2138 Riva San Biasio, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Wednesday-Monday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

3. St. Mark’s Museum

Best for religious history buffs

Why should I visit the St. Mark’s Museum?

Part of St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum is one of the most iconic places in Venice. The bronze horses, the Treasury, and the incredible frescoes are just a few of the wonders on display here.

How long should I spend at the St. Mark’s Museum?

Budget about an hour to visit the St. Mark’s Museum. That will leave time to explore its art and artifacts, as well as the St. Mark’s Basilica.

Insider tip

Head to the museum’s terraces for stunning views of St. Mark’s Square and the Basilica’s domes. By day, the basilica is always swarmed with tourists, but you can beat the heat and the crowd by visiting St. Mark’s Square the sun goes down, which is a fun thing to do in Venice at night.

Address

328 Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-5:15 PM. Opening times vary on Sundays and holy days.

4. Natural History Museum

Best for earth science fans

Why should I visit the Natural History Museum?

Venice’s Natural History Museum is set in a stunning old building right on the edge of a canal. Inside, you’ll find some truly impressive exhibits, including colorful butterflies, the sea life of the Venetian lagoon and beyond, and, best of all, dinosaurs. This is also one of the best family-friendly things to do in Venice.

How long should I spend at the Natural History Museum?

You can comfortably spend about two hours at the Natural History Museum visiting its fossil exhibits, minerals, and taxidermy specimens.

Insider tip

There are dozens of intriguing sights from the natural world waiting for you at the Natural History Museum. The undeniable highlight is the enormous Ouranosaurus nigeriensis skeleton.

Address

1730 Salizada del Fontego dei Turchi, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

5. Jewish Museum

Best for European history buffs

Why should I visit the Jewish Museum?

The history of Venice’s Jewish community is marked by moments of extreme difficulty, including years spent banished to a fortified island in the lagoon. The Jewish Museum showcases the good and the bad, and depicts historic, ornately decorated synagogues.

How long should I spend at the Jewish Museum?

Plan to spend an hour and a half at the Jewish Museum in Venice to see its exhibits on Jewish life, history, and art.

Insider tip

Leave some extra time for one of the best places to visit in Venice: the historic synagogue in the nearby Jewish Ghetto, typically included in the Jewish Museum entry ticket.

Address

2902b Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM-3:30 PM. Closed Saturdays.

6. Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum?

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is dedicated to a single man — but what a man. Artist, inventor, and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci worked in Venice to plan the city’s naval defenses. This museum takes you deep into his world.

How long should I spend at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum?

You can spend between one and two hours at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum to fully enjoy the models of his inventions and detailed displays about his life and work.

Insider tip

This is one of the best museums in Venice for the family. You’ll see a replica of da Vinci’s workshop, with prototype models of some of his brilliant designs.

Address

2771 Sestiere Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:45 PM.

7. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Best for fans of 20th century art

Why should I visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection?

While Venice may be best known for its Renaissance history, it has one of the finest 20th-century galleries in Europe. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, inside a spectacular Venetian palace, holds originals by great masters like Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Magritte, and Miró.

How long should I spend at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection?

Plan to spend about two hours at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to see all the art it has to offer, as well as the museum’s gardens and views over the Grand Canal.

Insider tip

Take advantage of the museum’s free guided tours, which provide valuable insights into the collection and Peggy Guggenheim’s life.

Address

701-704 Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

8. Gallerie dell'Accademia

Best for Renaissance art lovers

Why should I visit the Gallerie dell'Accademia?

The breathtaking Gallerie dell’Accademia has an incredible collection of Renaissance art. There are works by some of Italy’s finest artists, including Titian, Tiepolo, and Bellini. Best of all is da Vinci’s world-famous Vitruvian Man.

How long should I spend at the Gallerie dell’Accademia?

Budget about two hours at the Gallerie dell’Accademia to see its collections of Venetian art.

Insider tip

One of the most incredible sights is the Feast in the House of Levi, a painting by Veronese. It is an unbelievable 43 feet wide, so you can't miss it.

Address

1050 Calle della Carità, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 AM-7:15 PM, and Monday, 8:15 AM-2:00 PM.

9. Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista

Best for Baroque art and architecture enthusiasts

Why should I visit the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista?

Mauro Codussi and Tiepolo were both members of the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista, the brotherhood responsible for some of Venice’s best Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture. The building itself is truly stunning, and you’ll also see some phenomenal masterpieces on display here.

How long should I spend at the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista?

Plan to spend between one and two hours at the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista to see its Renaissance art and architecture.

Insider tip

Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the intricately decorated interior, including the magnificent Tintoretto paintings and the ornate wooden ceilings.

Address

2454 San Polo, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Sunday-Monday, 9:30 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM-5:30 PM. Closed Tuesday-Saturday.

10. Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Best for Renaissance-to-modern art lovers

Why should I visit the Fondazione Querini Stampalia?

Once an aristocratic palace, today, the Fondazione Querini Stampalia is home to an impressive art gallery. You can see works here from the 14th to the 20th century, including paintings by Tiepolo, Bellini, and Vecchio.

How long should I spend at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia?

You can spend about one to two hours at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia to visit its art collections and historic library.

Insider tip

Take time to visit the Carlo Scarpa-designed rooms, which blend modern design with historic Venetian architecture.

Address

5252 Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

11. Glass Museum

Best for glass art fans

Why should I visit the Glass Museum?

The Murano district is one of Venice’s hidden gems, known for its glass industry. At the Glass Museum, you’ll see some truly spectacular examples of glasswork. Jewelry, homewares, and exquisite flights of fancy are all on display here.

How long should I spend at the Glass Museum?

You need about an hour to visit the Glass Museum to see its Murano glass art and learn about the glassmaking practice.

Insider tip

If you’re interested in taking a piece of Venetian glass home with you, consider visiting the local workshops in Murano to see live glassblowing demonstrations.

Address

8 Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

12. Lace Museum

Best for lace fashion fans

Why should I visit the Lace Museum?

The Lace Museum showcases another proud Venetian art form. With examples from the 16th century onwards, this museum will mesmerize you with the intricacy and detail of hand-sewn lace. You’ll find a collection of Renaissance and Baroque lace, along with exhibits of the traditional tools used in lace making and modern interpretations of how contemporary artists are pushing the boundaries of this traditional craft.

How long should I spend at the Lace Museum?

You should plan to spend about an hour at the Lace Museum to fully absorb the information about the artistry of Venetian lace and learn about the traditional techniques.

Insider tip

The museum features lace masters at work who have passed down the secrets and traditions of lacemaking through the generations.

Address

187 Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

13. Museo Fortuny

Best for design lovers

Why should I visit the Museo Fortuny?

Dedicated to Mariano Fortuny, a Spanish artist, inventor, and fashion designer from the early 20th century, the Fortuny Museum is a treasure trove of design. Paintings, stage costumes, set designs, and fabrics make a visit a feast for the eyes.

How long should I spend at the Museo Fortuny?

You can spend about two hours at the Museo Fortuny to enjoy its collection of textiles, paintings, and decorative arts.

Insider tip

Go up to the second floor of the museum to see Mariano Fortuny's studios and the equipment he used to make costumes, develop photos, and make prints.

Address

3958 San Marco, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Wednesday-Monday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

14. Creature di Gomma Exhibition

Best for vintage toy fans

Why should I visit the Creature di Gomma Exhibition?

What was your favorite childhood toy? No matter how obscure it was, you’ll probably find it here. The Creature di Gomma Exhibition is Europe’s largest collection of vintage toys. With over 6,000 displays from all around the world, it is one of the most fun things to do in Venice.

How long should I spend at the Creature di Gomma Exhibition?

You can spend one to two hours at the Creature di Gomma Exhibition taking a trip down memory lane through its collections of classic and iconic toys.

Insider tip

Chat with the owners Fabrizio and Beatrice. They are passionate about their collection and can share their personal stories, adding an enriching experience to this museum visit.

Address

2390A, Calle de la Vida, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Monday-Sunday, 10:30 AM-7:00 PM.

15. Music Museum

Best for music fans

Why should I visit the Music Museum?

There are more than 200 musical instruments on display at the Music Museum. Here, you can see an incredible collection of violins, flutes, and more. Of course, there are also exhibits dedicated to Venice’s finest musician, the legendary Vivaldi.

How long should I spend at the Music Museum?

You can see the museum in about half an hour, but you should plan to spend more time if you can catch one of its intimate live concerts.

Insider tip

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Venice, it's hard to beat a Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concert and a Music Museum visit. You’ll get to explore the museum and take in an authentic concert by Venice’s Baroque orchestra.

Address

2603 San Marco, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM and 2:30 PM-7:30 PM.

16. M9 Museum

Best for 20th-century history lovers

Why should I visit the M9 Museum?

The M9 Museum is intriguingly unique. This anthropological museum traces the Italian lifestyle in the 20th and 21st centuries, looking at how things have changed. Its emphasis on technology, gender roles, food, and wealth gives a full overview of modern life.

How long should I spend at the M9 Museum?

You can budget two hours for the M9 Museum in order to experience the exhibits on 20th-century Italian history.

Insider tip

After you explore the exhibit, head over to Pizzeria Mestrina for fantastic pizzas and calzones. The food in Venice is a highlight of the city, and you’re going to want to sample it all.

Address

11 Via Giovanni Pascoli, Venice, Italy.

Opening hours

Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

FAQs

What are the most famous museums in Venice?

The museum at St Mark’s Basilica is one of the best if you’re interested in Venetian history. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Peggy Guggenheim, and if you are interested in the unique aspects of Venice’s traditions, the Glass Museum and the Lace Museum should be high on your list.

Are there any free museums in Venice?

All museums in Venice are free to enter on the first Sunday of the month. At other times, you will usually have to pay an entry fee for most of the city’s museums.

What’s the most interesting museum in Venice if I only have time for one?

If you have time for only one museum in Venice, the Palazzo Ducale is the most interesting. It’s a deep dive into the city’s rich history, art, and politics and features stunning Gothic architecture, the grand council chambers, the Bridge of Sighs, and an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts.

Are there any fun museums in Venice for families and children?

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is interesting for families, and kids will love the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. Perhaps the best option for kids is the Creature di Gomma exhibition, an enormous collection of vintage toys.

For which museums in Venice are guided tours recommended?

To get a full picture of the evolution of 20th-century art, it’s a good idea to take a guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. The Jewish Museum also organizes highly recommended walking tours around the Jewish Ghetto.

Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Venice?

The Venice Pass is a good way to save money on entry to multiple museums. To suit your travel plans, you can choose a one-, two-, three-, or seven-day pass.