Galleria Internazionale D'Arte Moderna

Galleria Internazionale D’Arte Moderna Ca’ Pesaro: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Venice Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Ca’ Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna

Overlooking Venice’s iconic Grand Canal, Ca’ Pesaro—home to the Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna—offers a remarkable synthesis of 17th-century Baroque architecture and an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art. Commissioned by the noble Pesaro family and completed in the early 18th century, this grand palace has evolved from a symbol of aristocratic prestige into a vibrant cultural institution. Since opening as a public museum in 1902, Ca’ Pesaro has been pivotal in Venice’s artistic scene, closely linked with the Venice Biennale, and has hosted works by prominent artists such as Gustav Klimt, Auguste Rodin, and Umberto Boccioni.

The museum presents a diverse permanent collection spanning painting, sculpture, and graphic arts, complemented by the Museo d’Arte Orientale on the upper floors, which houses an extensive assembly of Asian art. Ca’ Pesaro’s architectural grandeur—with its Sansovinian-inspired loggias and lavish interiors—creates a unique setting that bridges Venice’s artistic golden age and modernist innovation.

Practical details for visitors include opening hours (Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM), accessible ticketing options, and convenient vaporetto stops nearby. With guided tours, temporary exhibitions, and educational initiatives, Ca’ Pesaro offers a captivating cultural experience for art lovers and travelers alike (Wikipedia: Ca’ Pesaro, The Art Post Blog, Ca’ Pesaro Official Website).

Introduction
Historical Background
Architectural Features
- Baroque Design and Sansovinian Influence
- Interior Decorations
From Palace to Modern Art Museum
- Institutional Role and Impact
- Adapting for Museum Use
Highlights of the Art Collection
Visitor Information
Preservation and Contemporary Role
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
References

Historical Background

Ca’ Pesaro’s history is deeply intertwined with Venice’s social and cultural evolution from the 17th century onward. The palace was commissioned by the Pesaro family in 1659, with construction led by architect Baldassarre Longhena. After Longhena’s death in 1682, Gian Antonio Gaspari completed the palace in 1710, staying true to the original vision. The Pesaro family retained ownership until 1830, after which the property changed hands several times before Duchess Felicita Bevilacqua La Masa bequeathed it to the city in 1898, specifying that it become a museum of modern art. This aligned with Italy’s late 19th-century movement to build national collections of contemporary art (Wikipedia: Ca’ Pesaro, The Art Post Blog).

Architectural Features

Baroque Design and Sansovinian Influence

Ca’ Pesaro is a masterpiece of Venetian Baroque architecture. Designed by Longhena, its Grand Canal façade features a double order of colossal columns and arch-headed windows, reminiscent of Jacopo Sansovino’s Renaissance motifs. Bold rustication at the base and elaborate ornamentation on the upper floors create an impression of both solidity and elegance. The entrance hall and the monumental courtyard further enhance its grandeur (Wikipedia: Ca’ Pesaro).

Interior Decorations

Although the original Pesaro art collection was dispersed in the 19th century, the palace retains significant historic decoration. Ceilings still display frescoes and oil paintings by renowned Venetian artists like Bambini, Pittoni, Crosato, Trevisani, and Brusaferro, reflecting the building’s aristocratic past (Wikipedia: Ca’ Pesaro).

From Palace to Modern Art Museum

Institutional Role and Impact

The transformation into the Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna in 1902 marked a new era. The museum’s foundation was closely linked to the Venice Biennale, elevating Venice’s profile as a center of contemporary art. Between 1908 and 1924, it hosted the Bevilacqua La Masa exhibitions, offering space to emerging artists who often contrasted with the established Biennale. Artists such as Boccioni, Casorati, Rossi, Ravenna, and Martini exhibited here, highlighting the museum’s commitment to avant-garde and experimental art (The Art Post Blog).

Adapting for Museum Use

Conversion of the palace required sensitive adaptation to preserve its historic character while creating suitable exhibition spaces. The spacious rooms, high ceilings, and ample natural light make it ideal for large works and sculptures. The upper floor is home to the Museo d’Arte Orientale, featuring approximately 30,000 objects—primarily from Japan, China, and Indonesia—collected by Prince Henry of Bourbon-Parma (Wikipedia: Ca’ Pesaro).

Highlights of the Art Collection

Ca’ Pesaro’s collection is acclaimed for its breadth and quality, featuring:

Gustav Klimt, Judith II (Salome): Acquired after the 1910 Venice Biennale, this masterpiece is a highlight of both the collection and international Symbolism (The Art Post Blog).
Auguste Rodin, The Thinker: One of only twenty casts worldwide, acquired after the 1907 Biennale.
Joaquín Sorolla, Sewing the Sail: An early work by the Spanish master.
Pierre Bonnard, Nude in the Mirror: Acquired in 1934, exemplifying Bonnard’s exploration of light and intimacy.
Important works by Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Umberto Boccioni, Giorgio Morandi, Giorgio de Chirico, Felice Casorati, Mario Sironi, Gino Rossi, Arturo Martini, Henry Moore, and others.
Chiara and Francesco Carraro Collection: Since 2017, this impressive group of Italian 20th-century works by artists such as Massimo Campigli and Carlo Carrà has further enriched the museum.

Graphic art and works on paper, along with thematic and chronological installations like the Colloqui project, create engaging dialogues between artists and movements (The Art Post Blog).

Visitor Information

Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (April–October); 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (November–March).
Closed: Mondays and certain holidays.
Ticket Prices: General admission €12; reduced €8 (EU citizens 18–25); free for children under 18, Venice residents, and special categories.
Special Offers: Combination tickets and Venice Museum Passes are available for access to other major museums (Ca’ Pesaro Official Website).

Getting There

Ca’ Pesaro is located at Santa Croce 2076, in a peaceful area away from Venice’s busiest routes. The nearest vaporetto stops are San Stae (Line 1) and Ca’ Rezzonico (Line 1 or 2). It is easily accessible by foot from Piazzale Roma and is a short walk from Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco (itinerary.expert).

Accessibility and Amenities

Physical Accessibility: Elevators and ramps make most exhibition areas accessible; contact the museum ahead if you have specific needs.
Amenities: Museum store (art books, souvenirs), café with Grand Canal views, restrooms, cloakroom, specialist library, Wi-Fi, and rooftop terrace (when open).
Dog-sitting service: Available for visitors (Ca’ Pesaro Official Website).

Guided Tours and Special Events

Multilingual guided tours and educational programs are offered; booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak periods.
Regular temporary exhibitions, like the 2024–2025 Roberto Matta retrospective and Venice Biennale collateral events, keep the museum program dynamic (finestresullarte.info).

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with nearby sites:

Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Ca’ Rezzonico (Museum of 18th-Century Venice)
Natural History Museum
Glass Museum in Murano

These are easily accessible by vaporetto or on foot, making for a rich cultural itinerary (capesaro.visitmuve.it).

Preservation and Contemporary Role

Ca’ Pesaro is managed by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, ensuring ongoing preservation and public accessibility (Wikipedia: Ca’ Pesaro). Its dynamic exhibition program, commitment to inclusivity, and engagement with global artistic currents—such as hosting the first major Italian institutional exhibition of Roberto Matta—affirm its standing as a vital crossroads of East and West, past and present (finestresullarte.info).

The museum’s educational programs, digital initiatives (including Google Arts & Culture partnerships), and collaborations with international institutions foster a vibrant community of art enthusiasts and scholars (capesaro.visitmuve.it).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Ca’ Pesaro’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (April–October); 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (November–March); closed Mondays.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Online via the official website, or at the museum entrance.

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, most areas are accessible via elevators and ramps. Contact the museum for specific access details.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages. Booking in advance is recommended.

Q: Can I visit the Museo d’Arte Orientale?
A: Yes, entry is included with your Ca’ Pesaro ticket.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Non-flash photography is permitted in the permanent collection; check for restrictions during special exhibitions.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Weekdays, especially mornings or late afternoons, are less crowded.

Conclusion

Ca’ Pesaro—Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna is a must-visit for anyone interested in modern art, Venetian history, or architectural splendor. Its unique blend of historic atmosphere and contemporary programming ensures an enriching experience for all. Plan your visit by consulting official sources for up-to-date information on hours, tickets, and events, and consider guided tours or digital resources for a deeper understanding. Pairing your visit with nearby attractions like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or Ca’ Rezzonico can further enhance your exploration of Venice’s artistic heritage.

For the latest news, tickets, and virtual tours, visit the official museum website. Download the Audiala app for offline guides, and follow Ca’ Pesaro’s social media channels for updates and inspiration.