11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia
11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia, is one of the most significant and well-preserved examples of an historic house museum in all Europe. It affords a glimpse of daily life of the epoch in which it was inhabited; reflecting Venetian culture and traditions across the centuries.
The magnificent residence of the Querini Stampalia family is recreated on the “piano nobile”, the traditional reception rooms and living quarters of a Venetian palace. Lined with frescoes and stucco decorations, the interior contains rare collections of precious furniture, paintings, porcelain, globes, fabrics and sculptures; throughout the home.
Open to visitors since 1869, the historic museum also has interesting contemporary architectural features; designed by Carlo Scarpa.
Whilst the historic atmosphere is meticulously maintained, it welcomes contemporary life; in the form of seminars, concerts, superb library facilities and exhibitions of both classic and contemporary art.
- Glimpse into the luxurious life of Venetian nobility
- Experience the living quarters, decoration and furnishings of the affluent Querini Stampalia family.
- Remodelled, with surprisingly modern architectural interior and exterior design features
- Well-furnished library: meet, learn and study
- Cost: €14,00 (adults), €10,00 (reduced)
- Suggested duration: 1 – 2 hours
- Vaporetto stops: San Marco, San Zaccaria and Rialto
Fondazione Querini Stampalia – Renovation by Carlo Scarpi
Fondazione Querini Stampalia, was established in 1869 by Count Giovanni Querini; the last descendant of the Querini Stampalia family. It used to be a family home for the prominent Venetian Querini Stampalia family, considered one of the families that founded the city.
The Foundation, is now an institution of the city, that contains the entire heritage of this ancient and noble Venetian family. It supports cultural productions, through the study of its own historical and artistic heritage and it is open to contemporary events and works of art.
It is a single complex and flexible location, where you can find both ancient rooms and the contemporary architecture by Carlo Scarpa, Valeriano Pastor and Mario Botta. It is the perfect setting for individual study, cultural projects and special events.
In 1949, the restoration started with part of the ground floor and the back garden, that were in a bad condition and the project was completed ten years later; thanks to Giuseppe Mazzariol, friend and supporter of the Venetian master.
The renovation works by Carlo Scarpa, are based on a balanced combination of old and new elements; as well as a focus on a great workmanship and materials.
The work begun with the removal of some later decorations, stabilisation of the existing walls and careful cleaning of the ancient architectural features. A Carlo Scarpa designed and built light wooden bridge, connected to a new entrance doorway.
His design followed four themes: the light bridge: the entrance area with its stairs and raised walkways, in alabaster and Istrian stone (to protect from acqua alta); the portego (main exhibition hall) and the garden.
ANTIQUE COLLECTION.
PAINTINGS – SCULPTURES – DRAWINGS – PRINTS – FURNITURE – PORCELAIN – TAPESTRIES AND CLOTHS – MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS – COINS AND MEDALS – ARTILLERY MODELS – RECENT ACQUISITIONS
The principal collection is composed of paintings, furniture and valuable objects from the personal effects of the Querini family.
This collection includes fourteenth-century panel paintings from the Neo-Byzantine school, Renaissance masterpieces such as Giovanni Bellini’s “The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple”, portraits by Sebastiano Bombelli, scenes of public and private Venetian life by Pietro Longhi and Gabriel Bella and the majestic portrait, by Giambattista Tiepolo.
The collection of decorative art objects, valuable furniture, globes, European porcelain, musical instruments, antique clocks, Venetian sculptures and Flemish tapestries is doubtless incomparable.
Thanks to recent contributions from private collections, the Museum has been enhanced by works from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Along with pieces from contemporary artists, they contribute to make the Foundation a place where past and present are in perpetual dialogue.
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
Funding Bodies: MAZZARIOL FUND – DA VENEZIA FUND – PADOAN FUND – GHIRRI FUND – STEFANI FUND
Since the death of Count Giovanni Querini, the Querini Foundation has further enriched its collection through purchases; as well as private donations, from both artists and various collections.
Toward the end of the nineteenth century, the Querini Foundation initiated several art awards and presently engages relevant artists from the contemporary art arena; inviting them to connect with the historic palace.
TOP 25 MUSEUMS. Select your museum and click on the link below:
1 – Palazzo Ducale (The Doge’s Palace)
2 – Peggy Guggenheim Collection
6 – Scuola Grande di San Rocco
7 – San Servolo Insa*e Asylum Museum
8 – Palazzo Grassi (Francois Pinault Collection)
11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia (not linked)
24 – Museo Provinciale di Torcello
25 – Museo Archeologico Nazionale
LINKS (internal – external)
Official Website of Fondazione Querini Stampala
Information and booking: [email protected]
Opening times. Museum, Carlo Scarpa Area, the Intesa San Paolo Collection, temporary exhibitions from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm. Last admission 5.30 pm. Closed on Monday
The Library is also open in the evening and during holidays. Free access to visitors over 16 years, who have been issued a library card (which requires a valid I.D.)
Tickets. Full ticket € 14 (Museum, Carlo Scarpa Area, the Intesa San Paolo Collection and temporary exhibitions)
Reduced ticket € 10. Free entry every Sunday for residents of the Municipality of Venice.
Guided tours in Italian, English, French and German: € 80. Audio guide is available in Italian, English and French: € 2 for one and 3 € for two.
Library Facilities
- Civic Library of the historic centre, thanks to the significant role it has for the city.
- More than 350.000 ancient and modern books.
- Reading room access to about 32.000 books and more than 350 magazines, journals and daily newspapers.
- Open in the evening and during holidays. Free access to visitors over 16 years old, who have been issued a library card (which requires a valid I.D.)
- Library staff available for bibliographical research and consultation.
- Surf the net for free, using your own computer.
To widen your experience and enjoyment before visiting, please see my comprehensive and illustrated posts below:
San Marco – District and Attractions
The Doge’s Palace – Capital Columns
The Clock Tower in St Mark’s Square
11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia 11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia 11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia 11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia