Ca' Rezzonico is a true gem of Venice and one of the most splendid Venice museums. It's one of the few Venice palaces you can still visit today. Along with the Venice Museum of the 18th Century, you'll also admire the stunning architecture and an old pharmacy exhibition.
If searching on the Venice map, you'll find Ca' Rezzonico in Dorsoduro. It's the most creative Venice neighborhood. The building stands on the bank of the Grand Canal and lures its visitors with a picturesque facade. You can conveniently reach Ca' Rezzonico by vaporetto. Get off at the Ca' Rezzonico stop; the museum will be a minute away.
The construction of Ca' Rezzonico began in 1649. The building was in the hands of Baldassare Longhena, the architect of Santa Maria della Salute. Yet, due to insufficient funds, the construction didn't continue until 1751, when Giambattista Rezzonico bought the palace. He commissioned Ca' Rezzonico to Giorgio Massari, who designed a magnificent ballroom and an impressive staircase. The construction ended in 1758, and the frescoes by Giambattista Crosato, Pietro Visconti, and Giambattista Tiepolo decorated the palazzo. The Rezzonico family hosted large banquets and fabulous parties, which made them famous. Later, Pope Clement XIII, a Rezzonico family member, chose Ca' Rezzonico as his residence. In the 19th century, the place also belonged to Robert Browning. The English poet spent his last years at the palace.
The 18th Century Museum is one of the remarkable Venice museums. Indulge in the three floors filled with paintings, frescoes, period pieces, and other 18th-century items. The ballroom is undoubtedly the most impressive part of Ca' Rezzonico. It occupies the entire building at the rear, decorated with chandeliers, frescoes, and carved furniture. The museum's first floor has eleven rooms with paintings, sculptures, furniture, and a wide selection of clothing and accessories. The museum's second floor offers works by artists like Canaletto, Pietro Longhi, and Tiepolo Giandomenico. The third floor is home to a former pharmacy, a puppet theater, and Egidio Martini's collection of paintings. Here you'll enjoy the works by Cima da Conegliano, Alvise Vivarini, Palma the Young, and others.
Dorsoduro is a neighborhood rich in sites and attractions. It's famous for its artistic vibe and boasts many Venice museums and galleries. The ones near Ca' Rezzonico include Leonardo da Vinci, Accademia Gallery, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Additionally, there are a few prominent Venice churches close to the palace. Visit San Sebastian, Santa Maria dei Carmini, and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Scuola Grande di San Rocco, considered one of the best Venice attractions, is a few minutes from the Frari Basilica. This part of the Venice map will keep you busy!