14 – Punta della Dogana
14 – Punta della Dogana, together with the Palazzo Grassi, are the two contemporary art museums of the Francois Pinault Collection in Venice. Both present both personal and collective exhibitions.
Considered one of the largest contemporary museums in the world, it was renovated by the renowned Japanese architect, Tadao Ando and opened in 2009.
Located within the Dogana da Mar (Old Customs House), at the eastern tip of the Dorsoduro district; where the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal intersect. Enjoy classic views to San Giorgio di Maggiore, the Guidecca and over San Mark’s Waterfront (Molo and the Riva degli Schiavoni).
Punta della Dogana and the Palazzo Grassi, aim to share with the public, the knowledge and love for contemporary art through the extraordinary Pinault Collection and to strengthen the privileged relationship the institution has developed with artists; especially to works specifically conceived for its exhibition spaces.
Introduction
Francois Pinault’s career as a collector
Francois Pinault Collection
Location – Openiong Times – Tickets and Concessions
Top 25 Recommended Museums
Links (internal–external)
- One of the two François Pinault Foundation museums. Combine Punta della Dogana, with the Ca’ Pesaro for a complete modern art tour of Venice
- Cost: €18,00 (adults), €15,00 (reduced) As of Sept 2025.
- Suggested duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Vaporetto stop: Salute (close) or Accademia (10 minutes walk)
Left: Punta della Dogana, with the Patriarchal Seminary of Venice (Bishops residence) and Santa Maria della Salute.
Right: View of the Punta della Dogana, by Francesco Guardi ca. 1765.
Introduction.
The point at the eastern tip of the Dorsoduro district, was used for docking and customs as early as the beginning of the 15th century. The Dogana da Mar,was built between 1678 and 1682; the arcade styles reflecting construction in different eras. This was five years before the nearby Salute was built. On top of the building is the statue of Atlas, built to represent the supremacy of the Republic of Venice. Two slaves hold a golden ball upon which Giuseppe Benoni’s “Fortune” stands. The 17th-century statue turns in the wind.
The building continued to be a customs house, and thus intrinsically linked to the city’s history, until the 1980’s
After twenty years of abandonment, the Venice city council announced a tender to transform it into a contemporary art space. The Pinault Collection was awarded the tender in 2007 and entrusted the restoration of the imposing complex to architect Tadao Ando. In June 2009, after 14 months of work, Punta della Dogana reopened to the public and since then has been presenting temporary exhibitions.
It forms one of a collection of buildings, at the eastern tip of the Dorsoduro district: with the Patriarchal Seminary of Venice (Bishops residence) and Santa Maria della Salute.
“My sincere wish is that the contemporary art centre, consisting of Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, shall remain truly contemporary. This impetus is a matter of great importance for me but also for Venice, a city, which has always inspired the best of creativity.” – François Pinault
Francois Pinault’s career as a collector, is as unique as his entrepreneurial success.
Born in 1936, he grew up in Trévérienin, Brittany. Leaving school at the age of 16, he worked, first in the family sawmill and then in 1962; he created his first company specialising in the timber trade. This developed into a focus on specialised distribution activities and finally, he moved into the luxury goods sector in 1999. The “Kering” group, is one of the world leaders in the luxury industry and has been directed by Francois’s son, Francois-Henri, since 2003.
The collection that underlines and inspires the art of our time, brings together the works of all generations of artists, emerging talents and recognised names; coming from a wide range of cultures and origins. It features a diversity of themes, in particular those committed approaches to political, social, and racial and gender issues.
“Sharing with the public the questions that art raises and asks us—this is the very sense of the cultural project I have initiated.” – Francois Pinault
Francois Pinault Collection Punta della Dogana
Early in the 1970’s, François Pinault developed an interest in art with the painters of the Pont-Aven School. The discovery of the Nabis, led him to Cubism and the avant-gardes of the 20th century and later to abstraction and minimalism. Finally, this developed into an interest into most contemporary forms of art: painting, video, sculpture, photography, installation and performance.
For Francois Pinault, fascinated by the art of his time, the construction of a collection has provided him with the opportunity to forge strong and faithful relationships with the artists; whose works he has collected over a period of many years
The collection presented, is regularly renewed in the various museums of the Pinault Collection and through exceptional loans and a programme of off-site events in partner institutions; both in France and abroad.
Locations of Pinault Collection
- Punta della Dogana
Dorsoduro 2, Venice
Vaporetto: Salute
- Palazzo Grassi
Campo San Samuele 3231, Venice
Vaporetto: San Samuele, Sant’Angel - Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi
San Marco 3260, Venice
Vaporetto: San Samuele, Sant’Angelo
Information: +39 041 2401 308 Bookshop and Cafeteria
Opening Times
Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana are open every day, apart from Tuesdays, from 10 am to 7 pm. Last admission at 6 pm.
Closed on 25 December.
Ticket and Concessions
One admission ticket to visit the exhibitions. They are not part of the MUVE discount pass scheme of civic museums.
Full price: €18
Reduced price: €15
20-26 year-olds ticket: €7
Free admission for Members Pinault Collection and visitors under 20 (check here for school groups).
Free admission for residents and students in Venice: on Wednesday, on the first and last day of the exhibition.
Ask the cultural mediators if you have any questions about the exhibitions. The service is free and operates daily from 11 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Discover the wide range of guided tours and other activities starting from €80
On Wednesdays: residents in the Città Metropolitana di Venezia and students enrolled at the Venetian Universities: Ca’ Foscari, IUAV, Accademia di Belle Arti, Venice International University; Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello
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
14 – Punta della Dogana (not linked)
24 – Museo Provinciale di Torcello
25 – Museo Archeologico Nazionale
LINKS ( internal – external)
Official Website of Punta della Dogana (Note the website serves all three sites of the Pinault Collection: PUNTA DELLA DOGANA – PALAZZO GRASSI – TEATRINO DI PALAZZO GRASSI)
Video 2 mins: Discover Punta della Dogana
To widen your experience and enjoyment before visiting, please see my comprehensive and illustrated posts below.
Dorsoduro – District and Attractions
14 – Punta della Dogana 14 – Punta della Dogana 14 – Punta della Dogana 14 – Punta della Dogana