Photograph by Lewis Hine showing wage distribution in a cotton mill, United States, 1908

Casa Dei Tre Oci

Casa dei Tre Oci Venice: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Venice’s Historic and Cultural Landmark

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Casa dei Tre Oci, or “House of Three Eyes,” is an architectural and cultural icon on the island of Giudecca in Venice. With its striking Neo-Gothic design, rich personal history, and contemporary exhibitions, the palazzo stands as a testament to Venice’s enduring artistic spirit. Whether you’re a traveler, art lover, historian, or local, this detailed guide will help you make the most of your visit, including essential information about visiting hours, ticketing, exhibitions, accessibility, and nearby attractions. (Wikipedia; Venice Guide and Boat; Berggruen Institute)

Introduction
History and Origins
Architectural Features and Symbolism
Restoration and Cultural Legacy
Visiting Information
Current and Notable Exhibitions
Facilities and Visitor Experience
Nearby Attractions and Local Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and How to Stay Updated
References

History and Origins

Casa dei Tre Oci was conceived and built between 1912 and 1913 by Mario De Maria, a Bolognese painter, as a deeply personal memorial. The three signature ogival windows on its façade symbolize De Maria, his wife Emilia Voight, and their son Astolfo, while a smaller window above represents Silvia, their daughter who died young (Italyscapes). The building’s unique symbolism and location on the Giudecca canal underscore its role as both family sanctuary and work of art.

Over time, Casa dei Tre Oci has served many purposes: a private residence, a World War I hospital, and a shipping office. Restoration by the Fondazione di Venezia in the early 2000s preserved its heritage while transforming it into a center for art and photography. In 2021, the Berggruen Institute Europe acquired the building, cementing its new role as a venue for global dialogue and exhibitions (Berggruen Institute; My Art Guides).

Architectural Features and Symbolism

Casa dei Tre Oci is a masterwork of Neo-Gothic design, characterized by:

Three large ogival windows (“oci” or “eyes”) symbolizing the surviving family members.
A smaller mullioned window above, dedicated to the late daughter.
Ornate façade details including Venetian Gothic friezes and modernist touches, reflecting both tradition and innovation (Venice Guide and Boat).

Inside, vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and preserved original furnishings evoke early 20th-century elegance. The building’s interior and exterior offer abundant opportunities for photography and architectural appreciation (Giorgio Profili).

Restoration and Cultural Legacy

Thanks to the Fondazione di Venezia, Casa dei Tre Oci was meticulously restored and reopened in 2012 as a prestigious exhibition space. Over the years, the venue has hosted renowned photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ansel Adams and even served as a film location for “The Anonymous Venetian” (Italyscapes; Giorgio Profili; In Venice Today). Its adaptive reuse—from family home to hospital, office, and now cultural center—demonstrates its architectural resilience and ongoing relevance.

Visiting Information

Hours and Admission

Visiting hours and ticket prices may vary by season and exhibition. As of 2025:

Typical Opening Hours: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm for exhibitions such as “Controfacciata.” Some exhibitions and events may have different schedules—check the official website before your visit.
Admission: Many exhibitions, including “Controfacciata” (2025), are free. When ticketed, prices usually range from €10–€15 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors, and children. Children under 12 often enter free.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are occasionally offered, particularly during major exhibitions or festivals. Advance booking is recommended, especially for groups (Marsilio Arte).

Accessibility

Casa dei Tre Oci is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Assistance can be requested in advance.

Getting There

Address: Fondamenta Zitelle 43, Giudecca, Venice
By Vaporetto: Lines 2, 4.1, and 4.2 to the Zitelle stop; a short walk brings you to the entrance. (Venezia.net)
By Water Taxi: Private taxis can drop you directly at the venue.
On Foot: Once on Giudecca, the island is easily walkable.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for beautiful light through the “eyes” windows and sunset over the lagoon.
Crowds: Weekdays and early/late hours are less busy.
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour to enjoy the exhibitions and architecture.
Photography: Allowed in public areas without flash or tripods.
Refreshments: No café inside, but Giudecca offers various nearby dining options.

Current and Notable Exhibitions

2025 Headline Exhibition: “Controfacciata” by Matthias Schaller

Dates: April 5 – November 23, 2025
Admission: Free
Open: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Curator: Mario Codognato

Schaller’s long-term photographic project explores Venetian interiors, facades, and the city’s unique atmosphere, offering a poetic vision of urban identity. The exhibition is curated by Mario Codognato and presented by the Berggruen Institute Europe (Marsilio Arte; Berggruen Arts & Culture).

Recent Programming Highlights

Retrospectives for Sabine Weiss and other celebrated photographers.
International symposia, workshops, and artist talks aligned with Venice Biennale and other major cultural dates (In Venice Today; Artnet News).

Facilities and Visitor Experience

Gift Shop: Exhibition catalogs, art books, and souvenirs.
Wi-Fi: Available for visitors.
Restrooms: Accessible and well-maintained.
Virtual Tours: Online galleries and virtual tours are available via the official website.
Media Suggestions: High-quality images of the façade and interiors, maps, and virtual tours enrich the online and in-person experience.

Nearby Attractions and Local Experiences

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore: Renaissance church with a panoramic bell tower.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Modern art on nearby Dorsoduro.
Santa Maria della Salute: Iconic baroque church at the Grand Canal entrance.
Cini Foundation: Exhibitions and gardens on San Giorgio Maggiore.
Villa Hériot: Quiet gardens on Giudecca.
Giudecca Promenade: Scenic strolls, dining, and local bars for aperitivi.
Redentore Church: Especially vibrant during the Festa del Redentore in July.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the current visiting hours?
A: Usually Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, 10:00 am–6:00 pm. Check the official website for up-to-date hours.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Many exhibitions are free; otherwise, €10–€15 for adults, with discounts for eligible visitors.

Q: Is Casa dei Tre Oci wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, especially during major events. Book in advance.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but avoid flash and tripods.

Q: How do I get there?
A: By vaporetto to Zitelle stop (lines 2, 4.1, or 4.2) or by water taxi.

Conclusion and How to Stay Updated

Casa dei Tre Oci epitomizes the intersection of Venice’s history, architectural beauty, and contemporary creativity. Whether you are admiring the Neo-Gothic façade, exploring world-class photography exhibitions, or enjoying the serene charm of Giudecca, every visit reveals something new. For a seamless experience, always check current visiting hours and exhibitions beforehand, and consider using travel tools like the Audiala app for up-to-date information, digital guides, and event alerts.

Stay connected with Venice’s vibrant art scene by following Casa dei Tre Oci and the Berggruen Institute on social media, and keep an eye on the official website for the latest programming.