Venice is known for its canals and gondolas, but it’s also packed with museums worth checking out. You’ll find everything from famous paintings and ancient maps to glass art and modern exhibits. Venice museums are a great way to explore the city’s history, culture, and creativity, especially if you want a break from the crowds outside.
In this guide, we’ll show you 6 of the top museums in Venice, Italy. You’ll learn what each one is about, how to get there, and tips to help you enjoy your visit. Let’s explore!
6 Most-Visited Museums in Venice
1. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Abstract artwork at Peggy Guggenheim Museum
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the top Venice museums for modern art lovers. Located inside Peggy Guggenheim’s former home along the Grand Canal, it features big names like Picasso, Dalí, Kandinsky, and Jackson Pollock. The museum focuses on 20th-century art movements like surrealism and cubism, so expect bold colors and unique styles.
The best part? It’s not too big, so you can see everything in about an hour or two. The outdoor sculpture garden is a relaxing place to sit, and the views of the canal make the visit even better. If you want a break from the usual historic sites and love creative, modern art, this museum is a must.
How to Get There: Take the vaporetto Line 1 or 2 to Accademia or Line 1 to Salute
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon on weekdays for smaller crowds
2. Murano Glass Museum
Glass artworks at Murano Glass Museum
The Murano Glass Museum is one of the most interesting Venice museums if you want to learn something local. Located on Murano Island, it tells the story of Venetian glassmaking, from early Roman glass to detailed modern designs. You’ll see colorful chandeliers and delicate glass sculptures with clear explanations that make it easy to understand.
After your visit, take time to walk around Murano itself. The island is quieter than Venice, filled with small canals, glass workshops, and shops selling handmade pieces. It’s a great place to watch live glass demos and pick up a unique souvenir to take home!
Want to know more about the museum? Check out this Murano Museum guide!
How to Get There: Vaporetto to Murano, get off at the Museo stop
Rating: ⭐ 4/5
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning, paired with lunch and shopping in Murano
3. Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art
Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art Building | Photo Credits: Joanbanjo on Wikimedia
If you’re into modern and contemporary art, Ca' Pesaro is a must-see. This museum sits inside a beautiful Baroque palace right on the Grand Canal and features big-name artists like Klimt, Chagall, and Kandinsky. The contrast between the fancy old building and bold modern art makes it a really cool experience.
Upstairs, you’ll also find the Museum of Oriental Art, which has everything from Japanese samurai gear to Chinese ceramics. It’s an unexpected bonus and adds some variety to your visit.
Ca' Pesaro is usually less crowded than Venice’s bigger museums, so you can take your time and really enjoy the art without feeling rushed. Plus, the views of the canal from the windows are just as impressive as the exhibits inside!
How to Get There: Vaporetto Line 1 or 2 to San Stae
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a crowd-free visit
4. Doge’s Palace
Amazing ceiling artwork at Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace is one of the top things to see in Venice. It used to be the home of the Doge (Venice’s ruler) and the center of government. Today, it’s a museum where you can walk through fancy rooms, huge council halls and even cross the Bridge of Sighs into the old prison cells.
The building is impressive on its own, with marble staircases, gold ceilings, and massive wall paintings. Plus, your ticket includes entry to nearby museums like Museo Correr and the National Archaeological Museum.
Since it’s one of the busiest Venice museums, try going early or booking tickets ahead to skip the line. And don’t forget your camera, every room here is a photo-op!
How to Get There: Vaporetto to San Marco / Vallaresso stop
Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak hours
5. La Fenice Opera House
Inside La Fenice Opera House
La Fenice might not be a traditional museum, but it’s still one of the coolest places to explore in Venice. With a self-guided tour, you can go behind the scenes of this world-famous opera house, no need to attend a show to enjoy the experience.
You’ll walk through elegant theater boxes, the main stage area, and small exhibits about its dramatic past. The inside is full of gold, velvet, and chandeliers, so it really feels like stepping into a movie set.
It’s a great spot for music fans, architecture lovers, or anyone who wants a quick, beautiful stop that’s a little different from the usual museums.
How to Get There: In Cannaregio district, near vaporetto stops for Line 1 or Line 2
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5
Best Time to Visit: Late morning before lunch crowds
6. Natural History Museum of Venice
The Natural History Museum of Venice along Grand Canal | Photo Credits Tony Hisgett on Wikimedia
Looking for a museum that’s fun and low-key? The Natural History Museum in Venice is a great pick, especially if you're traveling with kids. Set inside a historic palace right on the Grand Canal, it’s full of cool exhibits like dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and sea creatures.
The displays are interactive and easy to follow, so it’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a break from art-heavy spots. Plus, it’s quieter than Venice’s big-name museums, which makes it a relaxing place to explore at your own pace.
If you're into science, nature, or just want something different during your trip, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit!
How to Get There: Closest vaporetto stop is Riva De Biasio (~4-minute walk)
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
Best Time to Visit: Anytime, it’s usually less crowded than other museums
Tips for visiting museums in Venice
🛥️ Grab a Vaporetto Pass
Venice doesn’t have cars or buses, just boats! The Vaporetto (water bus) is the main way to get around, and a Vaporetto pass makes it super simple. Instead of buying a ticket every time, you get unlimited rides for 1, 2, 3, or even 7 days. It’s the best way to reach museums on different islands like Murano or the Natural History Museum along the Grand Canal.
🎟️ Use a Venice City Pass
If you plan to visit more than a couple of museums, a pass can save you time and money. The Venice City Pass includes top spots like the Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Ca' Rezzonico, and more. Plus, you get fast-track entry at many locations, so no waiting in long lines.
📱 Stay Connected with an Italy eSIM
It’s super useful to have internet access while exploring. With an Italy eSIM, you don’t need a physical SIM card, you just activate it digitally and go. Use it to check Vaporetto schedules, download museum audio guides, look up opening hours, or stay in touch with your travel group. No Wi-Fi hunting needed!
FAQs About Venice Museums
What are the best museums to visit in Venice?
The best Venice museums include the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Doge’s Palace, and the Murano Glass Museum. These spots offer a mix of art, history, and culture that capture the spirit of the city. They're all easy to get to and perfect for first-time visitors.
Is the Peggy Guggenheim Museum worth visiting?
Absolutely! It’s one of the top modern art collections in Europe, and the setting on the Grand Canal is unforgettable. Even if you’re not a huge art fan, the layout and atmosphere make it a fun and inspiring visit.
Which Venice museum is best for art lovers?
Art lovers should head straight to the Ca' Pesaro Museum Venice and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Between classic and modern masterpieces, you’ll get a well-rounded view of Venice’s art scene. And don't forget the gorgeous museum buildings themselves!
Are there museums on Murano Island worth visiting?
Yes! The Murano Glass Museum is a must. It dives deep into Venice’s glassmaking history and shows off some jaw-dropping glass art. It’s also a great excuse to visit Murano and enjoy its quiet charm.
How much time do you need to visit museums in Venice?
Plan on spending 1-2 hours per museum. Some, like the Doge’s Palace, might take a bit longer. Spreading visits across a couple of days lets you explore without feeling rushed.
Ready to explore Venice’s museums?
Venice isn’t just about canals and gondolas, it’s full of museums worth checking out. From art and history to glassmaking and natural science, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Get your museum tickets, hop on a vaporetto, and take your time exploring!
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