Biblioteca Ca' Pesaro Galleria Internazionale Arte Moderna

Visiting Biblioteca Ca’ Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna Venice Italy Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled along Venice’s Grand Canal in the Santa Croce district, Biblioteca Ca’ Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna stands as a premier cultural destination that unites rich historical heritage with an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art (audiala.com; wikipedia). Commissioned in the 17th century by the influential Pesaro family and designed by Baldassarre Longhena, Ca’ Pesaro has evolved from a noble residence to one of Italy’s foremost modern art museums.

Since its opening as a museum in the early 20th century, Ca’ Pesaro has become a dynamic hub for avant-garde and contemporary art, hosting masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, and significant Italian modernists. The museum’s innovative programming, including frequent temporary exhibitions in alignment with the Venice Biennale, and its specialized Biblioteca Ca’ Pesaro art library, provide both inspiration for visitors and vital resources for scholarly research (artsandculture.google.com; universes.art; capesaro.visitmuve.it).

This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth overview of Ca’ Pesaro’s historical significance, visitor information, and cultural offerings to help you plan a memorable visit.

Historical Overview of Ca’ Pesaro
Visitor Information
Biblioteca Ca’ Pesaro: Art Library
Ca’ Pesaro’s Role in 21st-Century Venice
Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna: Collections & Exhibitions
Practical Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Historical Overview of Ca’ Pesaro

Origins and Construction

Ca’ Pesaro epitomizes the ambitions of the Pesaro family, who rose to prominence in Venice’s social and political life from the 13th century onward (audiala.com). In 1659, they commissioned Baldassarre Longhena—famed for the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute—to design a grand palazzo on the Grand Canal (bonjourvenise.fr; venicevisitpass.com). After Longhena’s death, Gian Antonio Gaspari completed the palace in 1710, preserving the Baroque grandeur envisioned by its original architect (wikipedia; visitvenezia.eu).

Architectural Significance

Regarded as a masterpiece of Venetian Baroque civil architecture, Ca’ Pesaro’s double order of columns, stately façade, and intricate sculptural reliefs command attention along the canal (wikipedia). The interiors, once lavishly decorated by leading Venetian artists, retain traces of their historic splendor (venicevisitpass.com; visititaly.eu).

From Noble Residence to Museum

The palazzo remained a family residence until the early 19th century. Following the decline of the Venetian Republic, the Pesaro art collection was dispersed, and the building passed through several hands. In 1898, Duchess Felicita Bevilacqua La Masa donated Ca’ Pesaro to the city of Venice, specifying its transformation into a modern art museum (audiala.com; venice-travel-guide.com).

Founding of the International Gallery of Modern Art

The International Gallery of Modern Art was formally established in 1902, bolstered by significant acquisitions and donations (venicevisitpass.com). The gallery soon became a center for avant-garde exhibitions, especially through the Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation, championing Italian modernists and fostering Venice’s reputation as a hub for contemporary art (visitvenezia.eu; artsandculture.google.com).

Visitor Information

Opening Hours & Tickets

Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays, January 1, December 25

Always confirm current hours before visiting as they may change for holidays or events.

Ticket Prices (as of June 2025):

Full Price: €10–12
Reduced: €7.50–8 (children, students 15–25, seniors over 65, others)
Free: Children under 6, Venice residents, people with disabilities and companions, ICOM members, licensed guides (venezia.net; whichmuseum.com)

Tickets cover entry to both the Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna and the Museo d’Arte Orientale. Purchase online for convenience during peak times.

Accessibility

Ca’ Pesaro offers ramps and elevators to facilitate access. Visitors with disabilities and a companion are granted free admission. Advance contact is advised for specific needs.

Travel Tips

Location: Santa Croce 2076, Calle del Tentor, on the Grand Canal, near San Stae vaporetto stop (venezia.net).
Nearby Attractions: Grand Canal, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Rialto Market, and more.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Photography: Allowed in most areas without flash; restrictions may apply for special exhibitions.

Biblioteca Ca’ Pesaro: Art Library

The Biblioteca Ca’ Pesaro specializes in 19th and 20th-century art, supporting research through over 11,000 volumes, monographs, exhibition catalogues, periodicals, and archival materials (capesaro.visitmuve.it). Integrated into Italy’s national library network (SBN), its holdings are accessible to researchers and the public.

Library Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (hours may vary; check the official page).

Access: Included with museum admission; prior arrangement is recommended for research visits.

Facilities: Quiet reading areas, Wi-Fi, staff assistance with catalog navigation, and limited photocopying/scanning (subject to copyright).

Ca’ Pesaro’s Role in 21st-Century Venice

Now managed by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia (MUVE), Ca’ Pesaro is one of Venice’s major museums (wikipedia). It also houses the Museum of Oriental Art, expanding its cultural reach (venezia-tourism.com). The museum continues to evolve with acquisitions, innovative exhibitions, and educational initiatives.

Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna: Collections & Exhibitions

Permanent Collection Highlights

Ca’ Pesaro’s permanent collection focuses on 19th and 20th-century European and Italian modernism (itinerary.expert). Notable works include:

Judith II (Salome) by Gustav Klimt (theartpostblog.com)
Paintings by Marc Chagall
Works by Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Henry Moore
Key Italian modernists: Giorgio Morandi, Felice Casorati, Umberto Boccioni, Gino Rossi, and others (universes.art)

Graphic arts, prints, and drawings further enrich the collection, providing context for the evolution of modern art. Thematic and chronological displays under the “Colloqui” concept highlight Venetian taste and international dialogue.

Temporary Exhibitions

The second floor hosts rotating exhibitions often linked to the Venice Biennale (live-venice.it). Recent highlights:

Roberto Matta 1911–2002: The first major Italian institutional exhibition dedicated to the Chilean Surrealist (artsupp.com)
Sergio Monari: Sincronie: Contemporary sculpture exploring classicism (artsupp.com)
Giulio Aristide Sartorio’s “Poem of Human Life”: Monumental cycle reconstructed with archival materials (finestresullarte.info)

The Bevilacqua La Masa Legacy

Ca’ Pesaro’s ongoing support for emerging artists and its historical connection to the Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation are documented in its archives and artist files (capesaro.visitmuve.it).

Practical Tips for Visitors

Layout: The museum is spread over multiple floors; permanent collections are on lower levels, the Museum of Oriental Art is upstairs, and the art library is on the mezzanine.
Facilities: Cloakroom, museum store, café with canal views, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and dog-sitting service (capesaro.visitmuve.it).
Family & Groups: Children are welcome; groups receive special rates. School groups benefit from discounted entry and free access for accompanying teachers.
Language: Most signage is in Italian and English; supplementary resources are available online (whichmuseum.com).
Nearby Sites: Combine your visit with Doge’s Palace, Teatro La Fenice, St. Mark’s Basilica, or Palazzo Grimani.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I buy Ca’ Pesaro tickets?
A: Purchase online or at the entrance; advance booking is recommended in high season.

Q: Is Ca’ Pesaro accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with elevators and ramps. Contact the museum for tailored assistance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, book in advance for group or educational tours.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas; restrictions may apply during special exhibitions.

Q: Is there a café on site?
A: Yes, with refreshments and Grand Canal views.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Ca’ Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna, together with its Biblioteca, offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for anyone interested in modern art, architecture, or Venice’s vibrant cultural history. Plan your visit by checking current opening hours and ticket options, consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights, and explore the specialized library if you wish to delve into research or art history.

For the latest updates, download the Audiala app, explore virtual tours, and follow Ca’ Pesaro on social media for exclusive content and event news. Whether you’re a scholar, art enthusiast, or casual traveler, Ca’ Pesaro is an essential stop in Venice’s cultural landscape.