Exploring Venice's Contemporary Art Scene
With some of the world's most important modern art collections permanently home in Venice, plus the city's Biennale art fairs in art and architecture, there is always plenty for an art lover to see.
MODERN ART IN VENICE
PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION
The collection is among the most famous in the world, with Picassos, Pollocks, Brancusi and Calders, among many others. All exhibited in the one-level, never-finished, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
THE PINAULT COLLECTION
The family that owns Gucci, Saint Laurent & Balenciaga exhibit part of their vast contemporary art collection in two historic buildings along the Grande Canal, the gorgeous Palazzo Grassi and the vast Punta della Dogana. Works include Jeff Koons, Subodh Gupta, Pierre Huyghe, Sol LeWitt and Sigmar Polke.
PALAZZO CAVALLI-FRANCHETTI - ACP
Next ot the Accademia Bridge, this spectacular 15th century palace is home to the Instituto Veneto di Scienze which offers rotating contemporary art shows. The enormous central gallery affords you wonderful views of the Grand Canal, while ascending the ornate marble staircase is a fun way to experience the house.
GIARDINI DELLA BIENNALE
Since 1895, there have been international fairs for art or architecture in these gardens which were created at the direction of Napoleon Bonaparte. Countries have built their own (permanent) pavilions since the 1930s. To see the architectural designs alone are worth your visiting - even when there is no fair.
SEE THE RED MAP VENICE
