Carlo Goldoni's House

In San Polo, Carlo Goldoni’s House occupies Palazzo Centanni, the Gothic palace where the Venetian playwright was born in 1707. The small museum explores his life and theatrical work through historical documents, period furniture and staged scenes with figures in 18th-century dress. Its puppet-theatre room displays original marionettes and a surviving historic puppet theatre. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes. It is a good fit if you enjoy theatre, puppetry or a compact museum stop while exploring the neighbourhood.

Palazzo Centanni and Goldoni’s birthplace

Palazzo Centanni is a 15th-century Gothic building in San Polo, near Campo San Tomà. Carlo Goldoni was born here in 1707 and lived in the house with his family until 1719. The museum, open to the public since 1953, is devoted to his life and theatrical work.

Look at the palace’s exterior for its pointed arches and quadruple-mullioned window. Inside, paintings, furnishings and theatrical displays connect the historic rooms with Goldoni’s plays.

Scenes, costumes and puppets

The museum presents recreated scenes from Goldoni’s comedies, with figures in 18th-century clothing among period objects and furniture. Displays also include documents and material related to the playwright’s work. One scene incorporates a Biribissi table associated with The Player; an Arlecchino costume is also among the theatrical objects.

The puppet-theatre room has original 18th-century marionettes and a surviving puppet theatre. Goldoni recalled playing with a puppet theatre in this house as a child. Some museum text is in Italian, and translated material may be available through QR codes, so a translation app can help with the displays.