Palazzo Grassi Venice
A historic Venetian palace transformed into a breathtaking contemporary art space, showcasing the Pinault Collection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Palazzo Grassi Venice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Venetian palace transformed into a breathtaking contemporary art space, showcasing the Pinault Collection.
"A stunning fusion of 17th-century architecture and cutting-edge contemporary art."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry in advance to avoid queues and guarantee your spot, especially during peak season.
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking in Venice; comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the palace and city.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Contemporary Art Exhibitions
Main exhibition halls
Experience world-class contemporary art from the Pinault Collection, often featuring major international artists.
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Architectural Grandeur
Throughout the palace
Marvel at the restored 17th-century palace, a masterpiece of Venetian architecture, especially its grand staircase.
Punta della Dogana
Adjacent to Palazzo Grassi
Explore this sister venue, also part of the Pinault Collection, housed in a former customs house with striking modern renovations.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art & Architecture
Navigating Venice's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry in advance to avoid queues and guarantee your spot, especially during peak season.
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking in Venice; comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the palace and city.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Main Halls
Don't miss the architectural details and the adjacent Punta della Dogana for a broader art experience.
📸 Capture the Grand Staircase
The iconic staircase is a popular photo spot; visit early for fewer people.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry in advance to avoid queues and guarantee your spot, especially during peak season.
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking in Venice; comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the palace and city.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Main Halls
Don't miss the architectural details and the adjacent Punta della Dogana for a broader art experience.
📸 Capture the Grand Staircase
The iconic staircase is a popular photo spot; visit early for fewer people.
☕ Enjoy Local Cichetti
After your visit, seek out nearby bacari for traditional Venetian tapas and wine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Palazzo Grassi for its stunning contemporary art exhibitions and the masterful architectural restoration by Tadao Ando. The blend of historic Venetian charm with cutting-edge art creates a unique and memorable experience. Some find the abstract nature of contemporary art challenging, and ticket prices can be a consideration for budget-conscious travelers.
"Bold contemporary art in a grand Venetian palace
Palazzo Grassi offers a striking contrast — cutting-edge contemporary art inside a classic Venetian palace. The building itself is stunning, with beautifully restored interiors and dramatic views over the Grand Canal. The exhibitions are always bold, thought-provoking, and often surreal — not your usual museum fare.
If you’re into modern art, this place is a must. It’s spacious, well-curated, and never overcrowded. A perfect stop for a cultural reset amid the city’s Renaissance splendour. Make sure to check what’s on — the shows change, and they’re often unforgettable."
gargantyua
"We visited the extensive Tatiana Trouvé exhibition yesterday. This is a fantastic and playful exhibition of works that plays with the scale. architecture and grandeur of the Palazzo asking poignant questions of materials and associated values. With such a comprehensive exhibition we could have stayed all day and not fully digested everything. Kids enjoyed the exhibition too and there was a very well considered engagement pack provided for them."
Matthew Hearn
"The Pallazzo is worthy of its name. One of the most beautiful exhibition locations I've ever been to. If you look closely, you can see what it must have looked like in the past. The exhibition was also set up very nicely and the rooms were accordingly not overcrowded. In addition, there was accessibility (ramps and elevator) and lockers were provided without money. The staff was very understanding and accommodating. Restrooms were clean and accessible, and there is an elevator in the building."
Sebastian Weißinger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Grassi is easily accessible by Vaporetto (water bus). The nearest stops are San Samuele (Line 1) or Accademia (Lines 1, 2). From the Vaporetto stop, it's a short walk. Many visitors also enjoy walking through the charming Venetian streets to reach it.
While Venice can be a labyrinth, Palazzo Grassi is relatively well-signposted. Using a map app on your phone or asking locals for directions will help you navigate the narrow streets.
Yes, water taxis are available and offer a more direct, albeit more expensive, way to reach Palazzo Grassi. This can be a luxurious option for those looking for convenience.
The Vaporetto is the most common and efficient public transport. For a more immersive experience, walking is highly recommended to discover hidden corners of the city.
Yes, Palazzo Grassi is centrally located and within walking distance of many other Venetian landmarks, including the Accademia Bridge and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on current exhibitions. It's best to check the official Palazzo Grassi website for the most up-to-date pricing and to purchase tickets in advance.
Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Always consult the official Palazzo Grassi website for the most accurate and current opening times before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Check the Palazzo Grassi website for details on eligibility and how to apply for any available concessions.
While the VeneziaUnica City Pass covers many attractions and transport in Venice, it's essential to verify if it includes entry to Palazzo Grassi's current exhibitions, as this can change.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary per exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check the signage within the exhibition spaces or ask staff.
The grand staircase is a particularly photogenic spot, as are the exhibition spaces themselves, showcasing the art within the stunning architecture.
Yes, the exterior of Palazzo Grassi, with its beautiful Venetian facade, is perfect for photography. The surrounding canals and bridges also offer picturesque views.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Venice, especially over historic buildings and canals, for safety and privacy reasons. It's advisable to avoid flying drones in the vicinity.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial due to indoor lighting. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the architecture, while a standard lens works well for artworks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Palazzo Grassi typically has a café or bar area where visitors can enjoy refreshments. For full meals, there are numerous restaurants and bacari in the surrounding San Marco and Dorsoduro districts.
The Dorsoduro and San Marco sestieri (districts) surrounding Palazzo Grassi offer a wide range of dining options, from traditional trattorias to modern eateries. Exploring the smaller side streets often leads to hidden culinary gems.
Look for 'bacari' (traditional Venetian bars) for 'cichetti' (small snacks) and local wines. These offer an authentic and often more affordable dining experience.
Dining prices in Venice can vary significantly. Restaurants closer to major tourist hubs like St. Mark's Square tend to be more expensive. Venturing a few streets away can yield more budget-friendly options.
Many Venetian restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or inform your server about dietary needs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times and focusing on visually impactful pieces. The adjacent Punta della Dogana, with its unique setting, might also offer engaging elements. For a more interactive experience, look for any family-specific workshops or guided tours that might be offered during your visit.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Collectors
+1Beyond the art, the architectural restoration by Tadao Ando provides a fascinating context. For a comprehensive experience, ensure you also visit the sister venue, Punta della Dogana, which complements the offerings at Palazzo Grassi.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Combine your visit with a wander through the Dorsoduro district, known for its art galleries and charming canals. This area offers a more authentic Venetian experience away from the main tourist throngs, with plenty of opportunities for discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pinault Collection: A Vision for Contemporary Art
These venues are not just galleries; they are conceived as spaces where art can breathe and interact with its environment. The collection features works by renowned international artists, often presented in large-scale installations that transform the historic rooms. Visitors can expect a curated experience that highlights the breadth and depth of contemporary artistic practice, from painting and sculpture to video and performance art.
The choice of Venice for these exhibition spaces is deliberate, leveraging the city's rich artistic heritage while firmly positioning it as a hub for contemporary art. The Pinault Collection's presence enriches Venice's cultural landscape, offering a compelling counterpoint to its classical masterpieces and attracting a global audience of art enthusiasts.
Architectural Transformation: From Palace to Museum
The restoration focused on creating vast, open exhibition spaces that could accommodate large-scale contemporary artworks. Ando's signature use of concrete, combined with the existing Venetian architectural features, creates a unique aesthetic. The grand staircase, in particular, has become an iconic element, beautifully integrated into the modern design and serving as a striking visual anchor for visitors.
The architectural intervention at Palazzo Grassi is a testament to how historical buildings can be revitalized to serve new cultural purposes. It respects the past while embracing the future, offering visitors an immersive experience where the architecture itself is as much a part of the exhibition as the art on display.
Exploring the Materials of Art: Schütte and Trouvé
+3Trouvé's exhibitions, such as 'The Strange Life of Things,' highlight her fascination with materials that transition through different states, like liquid to solid. This focus on the transformative nature of materials—asphalt, bronze, glass—adds a conceptual layer to the viewing experience, inviting contemplation on creation and form.
+1These artists' exhibitions demonstrate Palazzo Grassi's commitment to presenting art that is not only visually compelling but also intellectually stimulating, offering insights into the artist's studio practices and the very essence of their chosen mediums.
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