Ca’ Pesaro is a Baroque palace in Venice’s Santa Croce district, facing the Grand Canal. Its International Gallery of Modern Art brings together 19th- and 20th-century Italian and European works, including pieces by Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall and Auguste Rodin. Look for Klimt’s Judith II and Rodin’s The Thinker, then take time to notice the palace’s frescoed interiors. The upper floors house a collection of Asian art, including Japanese armour, swords, ceramics and Buddhist sculptures. A café with canal views provides a place to pause.
A palace built for the Pesaro family
Ca’ Pesaro was commissioned by the wealthy Pesaro family and designed by Baldassarre Longhena, a leading Venetian Baroque architect. Work began in the 17th century and the palace was completed in 1710, after Longhena’s death. Its position on the Grand Canal and its monumental marble exterior make the building a substantial part of the visit.
Look at the façade before going inside: deep-set openings, columns and sculpted details give it a strong sense of depth. The palace also preserves frescoes and other historic interior details, including decorated ceilings. The contrast between those rooms and the modern works displayed within them is one of the museum’s defining features.
Modern art in Venice
The city’s International Gallery of Modern Art opened in 1902, after the palace was donated to Venice for use as a museum. The collection focuses on art from the 19th and 20th centuries, with paintings and sculpture by Italian and international artists. Works associated with the collection include Gustav Klimt’s Judith II, Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker, and pieces by Marc Chagall and Kandinsky.
The museum’s holdings also include Italian artists such as Medardo Rosso, Giacomo Balla, Adolfo Wildt and Arturo Martini. Some works were acquired in connection with the Venice Biennale, giving the galleries a link to the city’s long-running contemporary art exhibitions. Displays can change, so a particular artist’s work may not always be on view. If you are visiting for one specific piece, check the museum’s current information first.
The Asian art collection
The upper floors are home to the Museum of Oriental Art, with objects from Japan, China and Indonesia. Japanese holdings include samurai armour and swords; the collection also contains ceramics, lacquerware, everyday objects and Buddhist sculptures. The objects offer a different focus from the European paintings and sculpture in the modern art galleries.
Access to this section can be affected by renovation work or temporary closures. Check ahead if it is a main reason for your visit. When the galleries are open, leave time to explore them rather than treating the palace as only a modern art stop.
Planning a visit
The museum is at C. del Tentor 2076 in Santa Croce, on the Grand Canal. The San Stae vaporetto stop is mentioned as a nearby way to reach the palace. Inside, move between the art galleries and the historic rooms, and look for the palace’s original decorative features as well as the works on display.
There is a café in the building, with views over the canal, and restrooms are available. The museum has an admission fee, and advance tickets are recommended. Check the official museum website for current ticket details, access information and any temporary changes before setting out.
FAQ
How long do you need at Ca’ Pesaro?
Allow about an hour for a visit. You may want more time if you plan to explore both the modern art galleries and the Asian art collection.
What can you see at Ca’ Pesaro?
The museum has 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculpture, including works associated with Klimt and Rodin. The upper floors house Asian art, with objects such as Japanese armour, ceramics and Buddhist sculptures.
Is there an admission fee?
Yes, admission is charged. Check the museum website for current ticket information, and consider booking ahead.
Is the Oriental Art Museum open?
Access can be affected by renovation work or temporary closures. Check the museum website before visiting if you want to see this collection.
