Fondazione querini stampalia

Fondazione Querini Stampalia is the key element of the cultural scene in Venice. It promotes culture and education through one of the finest Venice museums and an inspiring library. Here you’ll get a glimpse of the lavish life in 18th-century Venice.

Getting there

Fondazione Querini Stampalia is easy to find on the Venice map. The Renaissance palace is in the Castello neighborhood, close to the famous St Mark’s Square. It’s a perfect site to visit if you also want to explore many Venice churches. If you’d like to arrive with a vaporetto, get off at San Zaccaria or Rialto. The walking distance from both stops is no more than 10 minutes. 

History & architecture

The Fondazione Querini Stampalia emerged in 1869, thanks to Giovanni Querini. He donated his palace, art, and considerable funds to the city. In his will, he specified that the money was for opening an exceptional library. As for the palace, a few architects worked on it. The renovations by Carlo Scarpa, Valeriano Pastor, and Mario Botta really influenced the look of the building. They all managed to make it look as close to its 18th-century version as possible. 

Why you should visit

Fondazione Querini Stampalia is busy with eager students and curious tourists. Concerts on the weekend and temporary exhibitions are regular at the palace. The residence in the complex represents the typical 18th-century life of the Venetian nobility. Like in some Venice museums, here you’ll find original furniture, precious porcelain, and fabrics. Inside Fondazione Querini Stampalia is also an impressive art collection. Prepare for the masterpieces by artists like Pietro and Alessandro Longhi, Bellini, Veronese, Tiepolo, Titian, and Tintoretto. Eugenio Da Venezia also donated some modern works and funds. The library of the complex is extraordinary. It is home to over 350 000 books, both ancient and contemporary. It is the only library of its kind in Venice, open even on Sundays. 

Things to do in the area

If you check the Venice map, you’ll see many Venice churches surrounding Fondazione Querini Stampalia. The closest, Santa Maria Formosa, is at the doorstep of the palace. Then you can also explore Santa Maria dei Miracoli, San Zaccaria, and Chiesa della Pietà. Palazzo Grimani, built for Doge Antonio Grimani, is right next to the museum. If you want to see the former Venetian naval base, head to the Arsenal. It is also the main pavilion for the world-known Venice Biennale.