Housed in the magnificent Ca' Pesaro palace overlooking the Grand Canal, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It features a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, alongside a fascinating Museum of Oriental Art.

The Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art boasts works by significant Italian and international artists, showcasing the evolution of art from the late 19th century through to the present day. You'll encounter movements such as Futurism, Impressionism, and Surrealism, offering a broad perspective on artistic innovation.

Beyond the modern art, the palace also hosts the Museum of Oriental Art, one of Europe's most important collections of Japanese and Chinese art. This fascinating juxtaposition of Western and Eastern aesthetics makes Ca' Pesaro a truly unique cultural institution in Venice.

Its grand architectural setting, with breathtaking frescoes and stucco decorations, provides a perfect backdrop for the impressive artworks it houses.

International Gallery of Modern Art

Discover a rich collection of 19th and 20th-century art, including works by Klimt, Chagall, Kandinsky, and Italian Futurists, showcasing diverse artistic movements.

Museum of Oriental Art

Explore one of Europe's most significant collections of Japanese and Chinese art, featuring samurai armor, exquisite kimonos, and ancient bronzes.

Baldassarre Longhena's Architecture

Admire the magnificent Baroque palace itself, a masterwork by Baldassarre Longhena, with its grand façade, monumental staircase, and elaborate decorations.

Grand Canal Views

Enjoy stunning views of the Grand Canal from the palace's windows, offering a unique perspective of Venice's bustling main waterway.

Gustav Klimt's 'Judith II' (Salome)

See one of the museum's most famous masterpieces, Klimt's captivating and controversial 'Judith II', a prime example of Viennese Symbolism.

Temporary Exhibitions

Check for current temporary exhibitions, as Ca' Pesaro frequently hosts contemporary art shows and installations that complement its permanent collection.

The imposing Ca' Pesaro palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, was designed by Baldassarre Longhena, the famed architect of Santa Maria della Salute. Construction began in 1659 for the Pesaro family, one of Venice's wealthiest and most powerful noble houses, known for their lavish lifestyle and patronage of the arts.

Longhena, unfortunately, did not live to see its completion, with Antonio Gaspari taking over after his death in 1682. The palace was finally finished around 1710, a testament to the family's immense wealth and desire for a residence that would reflect their status on the Grand Canal. Its distinct façade, characterized by a rusticated ground floor and two superimposed orders of columns, became a highly influential example of Venetian Baroque.

Over the centuries, the Pesaro family's fortunes dwindled, and the palace changed hands several times. In the late 19th century, it was acquired by the Duchess Felicita Bevilacqua La Masa, who, upon her death in 1898, bequeathed it to the city of Venice with the explicit wish that it become a museum for modern art, focusing on young and emerging artists. This generous act laid the foundation for the prestigious International Gallery of Modern Art it houses today.

The first International Art Exhibition of the City of Venice was held here in 1908, giving a platform to artists who were often overlooked by more traditional institutions. This pioneering spirit continued, establishing Ca' Pesaro as a vital center for artistic experimentation and the promotion of modernism in Italy. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Venice's vibrant cultural scene.