The Palazzo Grimani is a genuine state-of-the-art location, reflecting the significance of the wealthy Grimani family. Thanks to the architecture, interior design, and valuable art collection, it is one of the most noteworthy Venice museums. It is also one of the less crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy its precious art and design in peace.
The Palazzo Grimani stands in Castello, the largest Venice neighborhood. Located close to Campo Santa Maria Formosa, it faces the two canals - Santa Maria Formosa and San Sivero. It’s a walking distance from a few vaporetto stops, the closest being Ospedale, Rialto Mercato, and Celestia. Our refined Venice map will help you navigate the city’s streets effortlessly. Planning your visit is best as the museum is not open on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you’d like to dive deeper into the culture and history of Venice, the Palazzo Grimani offers a combined ticket, allowing discounted access to Ca’d’Oro. It is another impressive Venice museum less than 15 minutes from the palace.
The original building dates back to the Middle Ages, but its current history started in the 16th century. That’s when a wealthy merchant, Antonio Grimani, who became a doge in 1521, purchased the building. He then granted it to his grandsons, Vettore, the Procurator de Supra for the Serenissima, and Giovanni, Patriarch of Aquileia. The brothers used the palace as their residence. To modernize the palazzo, they commissioned Francesco Salviati and Giovanni da Udine. Later, Giovanni Grimani initiated an extensive redesigning project, enlarging and redecorating the palace. His incredible collection of sculptures, antiques, and gems was on display all over the palazzo. Now, most items are part of the collections at the Marciana Library and the National Archaeological Museum. The building became a state property in 1981 and has operated as a public museum since 2008.
The Palazzo Grimani is one of the remarkable but unconventional museums on the Venice map. Some elements, like the large Roman-style courtyard, were inspired by the years Giovanni Grimani spent in Rome. The palazzo features striking frescoes, marble carvings, and stucco depicting floral arrangements and mythological creatures. The most outstanding are the staircase by Federico Zuccari and the frescoes by Camillo Mantovano. A few rooms in the palace are truly exceptional. The Foliage Room, for instance, boasts beautiful painted plants and birdlife. The Tribuna Room, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and known as the Antiquities Room, once presented over 130 ancient sculptures. Today, it is still a magnificent room with incredible sculptures on display. The museum hosts regular temporary exhibits and concerts.
The Palazzo Grimani has an impeccable location in the heart of Venice, with many enticing sights nearby. These include phenomenal Venice churches like Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria dei Miracoli, and San Francesco della Vigna. Yet, the closest church to the museum is Santa Maria Formosa, one of the ancient Venice churches. Another exciting location is Fondazione Querini Stampalia, a 19th-century residence of the Querini Stampalia family. And if you’d like to add more culture to your Venetian experience, visit the Malibran Theater, located 10 minutes from the museum.