Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia

Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia Venice: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia, located in the heart of Venice’s Castello district, is a remarkable destination where Venetian art, architecture, and history converge. Established in the 19th century through the bequest of Count Giovanni Querini Stampalia, the palazzo preserves the rich heritage of one of Venice’s oldest noble families—offering visitors an immersive experience inside a house-museum that blends the splendors of the past with modern design innovation (Monica Cesarato; Italian Art Society).

A visit to Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia means exploring centuries of Venetian culture: from Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces and period furnishings to the celebrated 20th-century architectural interventions by Carlo Scarpa. This guide provides all the essential information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, collections, and tips for enjoying this unique Venetian historical site (sayhito-atlas.com).

The Querini Stampalia Family and Palazzo: Historical Overview
From Private Residence to Public Foundation
Highlights of the Art Collection
Architectural Evolution: Carlo Scarpa’s Modern Masterpiece
The Library and Cultural Programs
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
FAQ
Conclusion
Sources

The Querini Stampalia Family and Palazzo: Historical Overview

The origins of the Querini family date back to the 13th century, establishing themselves as a prominent patrician lineage in the Santa Maria Formosa district. The palazzo, known as “Querini Stampalia,” derives its name from the family’s feudal possession of the Aegean island of Stampalia (now Astypalaia). Over the centuries, the residence was expanded through annexations, evolving into the complex, multi-layered structure seen today (Monica Cesarato).

From Private Residence to Public Foundation

In 1868, Count Giovanni Querini Stampalia bequeathed the palazzo and its collections to the city of Venice, envisioning it as a foundation for public benefit. The transformation into a cultural institution happened in 1869, making the Querini Stampalia one of Italy’s earliest house-museums. The foundation’s mission included keeping the library open even when others were closed, reflecting a commitment to public knowledge and service (Monica Cesarato; Italian Art Society).

Highlights of the Art Collection

Paintings

The Pinacoteca’s collection spans the 14th to the 19th centuries, comprising over 400 works. Noteworthy highlights include:

Giovanni Bellini’s “Presentation of Jesus Christ at the Temple” (c. 1469) – A Renaissance masterpiece (Italian Art Society).
Portraits by Palma il Vecchio and Sebastiano Bombelli – Illustrating the nobility’s personalities and fashions.
Genre scenes by Pietro Longhi and views by Gabriele Bella – Providing vivid snapshots of 18th-century Venetian daily life.
Works by Palma il Giovane, Bernardo Strozzi, and Giandomenico Tiepolo – Showcasing the evolution from Renaissance to Baroque and Rococo (touristlink.com).

Decorative Arts and Furnishings

The museum’s twenty rooms are arranged as a house-museum, preserving original furnishings, Murano glass chandeliers, mirrors, porcelain, and musical instruments. This unique setup allows visitors to experience the domestic environment and refined lifestyle of Venetian aristocracy (venicexplorer.com).

Contemporary Art and Temporary Exhibitions

The foundation hosts dynamic exhibitions, often juxtaposing contemporary works with historical collections. Notable installations have included works by John Baldessari and Davide Rivalta (querinistampalia.org).

Architectural Evolution: Carlo Scarpa’s Modern Masterpiece

In the early 1960s, architect Carlo Scarpa reimagined the palazzo’s ground floor and garden, elegantly integrating modernist elements with Venetian tradition. Scarpa’s design addressed the city’s acqua alta (flooding) by creating poetic spaces where water, stone, and light interact—most notably in the stunning garden, a highlight for architecture enthusiasts (sayhito-atlas.com). The garden features floating stone paths, a mosaic by Mario de Luigi, and tranquil reflecting pools.

Further enhancements were later added by architect Mario Botta, who contributed new service areas and a covered courtyard while respecting the historic character (venice-travel-guide.com).

The Library and Cultural Programs

The library, a central element of Count Giovanni’s vision, holds around 400,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts and maps. It is open to the public—often with extended hours on evenings and holidays—and serves as a vital resource for students, researchers, and locals. The foundation also runs regular cultural programs, including exhibitions, concerts, and workshops, fostering ongoing engagement with Venetian heritage (Monica Cesarato).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Opening Hours

Museum: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission 5:30 PM). Closed Mondays.
Library: Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; weekends and holidays, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Café and Bookshop: Follow museum hours.

For the most current schedule, always check the official website.

Ticket Prices

General Admission: €12
Reduced: €8 (students, seniors, EU citizens 18–25)
Free: Children under 18, residents of Venice (on Sundays), people with disabilities and their carers, licensed tourist guides
Library: Free admission

Tickets are valid for the entire day. Purchase online (official ticket page) or at the entrance.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators; some historic areas have uneven floors.
Accessible restrooms and assistance are available upon request.
A free cloakroom is available for bags and rucksacks (subject to space).
Only guide dogs and certified therapy animals are allowed inside; a dog-sitting service is available for other pets (source).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: A 10-minute walk from Piazza San Marco. Vaporetto stops at Rialto or San Zaccaria are also nearby.
Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience.
Nearby Sites: Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Church of Santa Maria Formosa, Ca’ d’Oro.
Photography: Non-flash photography is generally permitted for personal use; check policies onsite. Sketching is allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Yes, tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance; no fast-track entry.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours (in multiple languages) are available by advance booking.

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are photography and sketching allowed?
A: Photography without flash is typically permitted; sketching is encouraged.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only guide dogs and certified therapy animals.

Conclusion

The Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia offers a unique opportunity to explore Venetian art, architecture, and aristocratic history in a tranquil setting. With its rich collections, innovative design by Carlo Scarpa, vibrant cultural programming, and accessible facilities, it remains a cornerstone of Venice’s cultural scene. Plan your visit by securing tickets in advance, checking opening times, and making use of the Audiala app for guided tours and updates. After your visit, continue your exploration of Venice’s heritage with nearby landmarks and other museums.