Ca’ Pesaro Gallery

Ca’ Pesaro is one of Venice’s premier art museums, housed in a grand Baroque palace along the Grand Canal. The gallery is renowned for its collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as its Oriental Art Museum, making it a unique destination for art lovers exploring Venice. 

The History of Ca’ Pesaro

The Ca’ Pesaro palace was commissioned by the influential Pesaro family in the mid-17th century and designed by the acclaimed Baroque architect Baldassare Longhena. The Pesaro family, one of Venice's most powerful merchant families, envisioned an opulent residence that would showcase their wealth and prominence. Longhena’s work on the palace reflects the grandeur of Venetian Baroque architecture with its ornate facades, grandiose interiors, and intricate details. However, Longhena passed away before the palace was completed, and it was finished in 1710 by architect Gian Antonio Gaspari.

In 1898, the palace was bequeathed to the city of Venice by Duchess Felicita Bevilacqua La Masa, an art collector who wished to support the city’s artistic community. Her donation transformed Ca’ Pesaro into a public museum and opened its doors to modern art, providing a venue to promote both established and emerging artists.

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Architectural Highlights of Ca’ Pesaro

Ca’ Pesaro’s architecture is a striking example of Venetian Baroque style, with grand exteriors and beautifully decorated interiors that are as impressive as the artwork on display.

The Grand Canal Facade: Facing the Grand Canal, Ca’ Pesaro’s facade is characterized by its arched windows, detailed columns, and symmetrical design. The facade’s lavish decoration, including sculptures, reliefs, and carvings, reflects the wealth and prestige of the Pesaro family. The palace’s imposing exterior stands out against the Venetian skyline, creating a dramatic impression as visitors approach by water.

The Atrium and Grand Staircase: Upon entering Ca’ Pesaro, visitors are greeted by an elegant atrium that leads to a grand staircase. The staircase features intricate stonework and stucco decorations, creating a sense of grandeur and setting the tone for the artistic treasures displayed throughout the gallery. The staircase connects the different levels of the museum, with spacious rooms on the upper floors that house the main collections.

Baroque and Classical Interior Details: The interior rooms of Ca’ Pesaro are decorated with stucco and frescoes, capturing the opulence of 17th-century Venetian palaces. Although the primary focus is on the modern art collection, the historical architecture and decor enhance the museum’s ambiance, providing a harmonious blend of old and new.

Notable Exhibits at Ca’ Pesaro Gallery

Ca’ Pesaro houses two main collections: the Gallery of Modern Art and the Oriental Art Museum, each offering a diverse array of works from different cultures and artistic movements.

Gallery of Modern Art

The Gallery of Modern Art on the first floor is a celebration of 19th- and 20th-century European art, with works by prominent Italian and international artists. This collection focuses on movements like Futurism, Symbolism, and Impressionism, reflecting the evolution of modern art.

• Works by Italian Futurists: The gallery includes pieces by Giacomo Balla and Umberto Boccioni, pioneering members of the Italian Futurist movement. These works highlight the Futurists’ fascination with speed, technology, and movement, with compositions that capture the dynamism of modern life.
• Gustav Klimt’s “Judith II”: One of the most famous pieces in the collection, Klimt’s Judith II (also known as Salome), is celebrated for its rich color palette, gold accents, and dramatic portrayal of Judith, a Biblical heroine. Klimt’s work exemplifies the Symbolist movement, with its detailed patterns, intricate symbolism, and expressive use of color.
• Sculptures by Auguste Rodin: The gallery also features sculptures by the French master Auguste Rodin, whose work captures the complexity of human emotion through realistic yet expressive forms. Rodin’s sculptures add a three-dimensional depth to the gallery, complementing the paintings and creating a balanced collection of visual arts.
• Works by Venetian Artists: The gallery celebrates Venetian art through works by local artists like Guglielmo Ciardi and Ettore Tito, whose paintings capture the beauty of Venice’s landscapes, canals, and architecture. These works offer a local perspective on modern art, blending traditional Venetian themes with contemporary techniques.

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Oriental Art Museum

The Oriental Art Museum on the third floor offers a unique perspective with its collection of artifacts from Japan, China, and Indonesia. This collection was assembled by Prince Enrico di Borbone during his travels to Asia in the late 19th century and is now preserved at Ca’ Pesaro. The Oriental Art Museum complements the modern art collection, providing insight into Eastern cultures and aesthetics.

• Japanese Samurai Armor and Swords: The museum’s collection includes an impressive array of samurai armor, swords, and weaponry, showcasing the craftsmanship and martial heritage of Japanese culture. These artifacts are meticulously crafted, with detailed designs and materials that illustrate the status and skills of the samurai class.
• Japanese Ceramics and Lacquerware: The museum features Japanese ceramics and lacquerware, highlighting the artistry and techniques that have been perfected over centuries. These items include intricate vases, plates, and decorative objects that reveal Japan’s cultural and artistic heritage.
• Chinese Porcelain and Textiles: The Chinese collection includes porcelain items and textiles, reflecting the luxury and craftsmanship associated with Chinese decorative arts. These artifacts display the influence of Eastern art on European taste, particularly during the 19th century.
• Indonesian Artifacts: The museum’s Indonesian collection includes wooden sculptures, textiles, and ritual objects, providing insight into the spiritual and cultural traditions of Indonesia. These pieces complement the museum’s focus on non-Western art and highlight the diversity of Asian art forms.

Visiting Ca’ Pesaro Gallery: Practical Information

Ca’ Pesaro offers a rich experience for visitors interested in art, history, and culture. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit:

1. Location and Getting There: Ca’ Pesaro is located in the Santa Croce district, directly facing the Grand Canal. The nearest vaporetto (waterbus) stops are San Stae and Rialto, both served by Line 1, which provides easy access from other parts of Venice. Using Venicexplorer’s interactive map can help visitors navigate the area and find the most efficient route to Ca’ Pesaro.
2. Opening Hours and Admission: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. From April 1 to October 31, it operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. During the winter season, from November 1 to March 31, hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. The gallery is closed on Mondays, as well as on January 1, May 1, and December 25. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through the official website. Admission includes access to both the Gallery of Modern Art and the Oriental Art Museum. Combination tickets that include other Venice civic museums may also be available, offering a convenient way to explore multiple attractions.
3. Guided Tours and Audio Guides: The museum offers guided tours and audio guides for visitors who want a deeper understanding of the exhibits. Guided tours cover the history of the palace, the development of the art collection, and insights into the major artworks on display. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, allowing visitors to enjoy a self-guided experience.
4. Accessibility and Visitor Etiquette: Ca’ Pesaro is accessible to visitors with mobility needs, with elevators and ramps provided in certain areas. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere in the museum, particularly in the Oriental Art Museum, where fragile artifacts are on display.
5. Museum Shop and Café: The museum’s shop offers a selection of art books, prints, and souvenirs inspired by the modern and oriental collections. The café, with views over the Grand Canal, is a relaxing spot to enjoy a coffee or snack after exploring the museum.

Nearby Attractions in the Santa Croce District

After exploring Ca’ Pesaro, visitors can discover other nearby attractions in the Santa Croce district and surrounding areas:

• Rialto Market: Located a short walk from Ca’ Pesaro, the Rialto Market is a lively area where visitors can experience Venice’s vibrant market culture. The market offers fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Venetian goods, making it an ideal stop for local flavors.
• Natural History Museum: Housed in the Fondaco dei Turchi, the Natural History Museum features exhibits on the Venetian ecosystem, fossils, and marine life. The museum is family-friendly and provides an educational complement to the art collections at Ca’ Pesaro.
• San Stae Church: Located near Ca’ Pesaro, San Stae Church features Baroque architecture and artworks by prominent Venetian artists. The church’s serene interior and historic artworks make it a peaceful stop for visitors.
• Campo San Polo: This large public square is one of Venice’s main gathering places, surrounded by historic buildings and cafes. It’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the Santa Croce district.
• Palazzo Mocenigo: The Palazzo Mocenigo, located nearby, houses the Museum of Textiles and Costume and features exhibits on Venetian fashion and perfume-making. This museum provides an interesting contrast to Ca’ Pesaro, focusing on fashion and lifestyle in Venice’s noble society.

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Why Visit Ca’ Pesaro Gallery?

Ca’ Pesaro offers a compelling blend of modern art and Oriental artifacts, housed in a stunning Baroque palace along Venice’s iconic Grand Canal. For art enthusiasts, the gallery provides an exceptional opportunity to view works by Gustav Klimt, Auguste Rodin, and Italian Futurists alongside rare Asian artifacts, samurai armor, and historical textiles from Japan, China, and Indonesia.

Using Venicexplorer’s interactive map, visitors can efficiently plan their visit to Ca’ Pesaro and discover nearby highlights, including the lively Rialto Market, San Stae Church, and other cultural gems in the Santa Croce district. With its rich historical collection, contemporary art installations, and unique juxtaposition of Eastern and Western art, Ca’ Pesaro Gallery promises a memorable, culturally immersive experience in Venice.