4 – The Correr Museum
4 – The Correr Museum. An important museum; telling the history of Venice from its foundation, to its union with Italy in the 19th century.
In its interior, we can find works of great historical and artistic value in areas such as painting, sculpture, furniture, naval instruments and much more.
With the entrance to the Correr Museum, you also have access to the “Archeological Museum” and the “Marciana National Library”.
- History and Art Museum.
- San Marco district.
- Suggested times: 2-3 hours.
- Vaporetto stops: San Marco and San Zaccaria.
The Correr Museum – History
The Correr Museum since 1922, is located in St. Mark Square and occupies the spaces of the Napoleonic Wing and part of the New Attorney offices. They were designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, a building that frames three quarters of the square.
The Napoleonic wing belongs to the time, in which Venice was part of the kingdom of Italy; when Napoleon was its sovereign between 1806 and 1814. This wing was originally the site of the church of San Geminiano.
Originally designed as the residence of the new sovereign, its construction was completed in the 19th century; when Venice was under Austrian rule. It was the official residence of the court of the Habsburgs and became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy; with its double monumental facade, atmospheric portico, wide staircase and its luxurious ballroom.
One of the most important aspects of the Napoleonic Wing, that was the residence of kings and emperor; was its deliberate opposition to the old Doge’s Palace. The building expressed the desire, to open a new chapter in the history of Venice.
Today. The Correr Museum, offers a real opportunity to get to know the Art and History of Venice. In the Napoleonic wing, with its impressive neoclassical rooms, we find an important collection of works of one of the greatest sculptors of that time, Antonio Canova (1757-1822). In this museum we can also visit the “Procuratie Nuove” (New Magistrates) wing, which were designed between 1552-1616, by the architect Vincenzo Scamozzi and where once the most important civic authorities of the Republic of Venice were housed.
In these spacious rooms, currently there are collections that document various aspects of the city’s history; such as public institutions, daily life, naval achievements and local festivals. On the second floor is the exhibition of the Art Collection, covering the period from the beginning of Venetian painting to the 16th century; also here other incomparable masterpieces can be seen
Access to other museums. With the entrance to the Correr Museum, you also have access to the Archeological Museum and the Marciana National Library
The proud naval history of the City of Venice, is presented in the rooms of the Correr Museum, through the highly descriptive paintings and many maritime objects that include; cannons from boats and some navigation lights from its iron masts.
TOP 25 MUSEUMS. Select your museum and click on the link below:
1 – Palazzo Ducale (The Doge’s Palace)
2 – Peggy Guggenheim Collection
4 – The Correr Museum (not linked)
6 – Scuola Grande di San Rocco
7 – San Servolo Insa*e Asylum Museum
8 – Palazzo Grassi (Francois Pinault Collection)
11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia
24 – Museo Provinciale di Torcello
25 – Museo Archeologico Nazionale
LINKS (internal – external)
Official website covering all aspects of your visit
The museum – Catalogue – Exhibitions/Events – MUVE Education – Plan your visit – Opening hours – Tickets – Itineraries and Activities – How to get there – Accessibility and Services – Museums and more – Announcements – Contacts – Tickets
The entrance is included in the “Venice Museum Pass”, described above; giving you access to many other museums, at a very favourable price.
*** Please check before purchase, for current Covid-related health requirements needed for access.
To widen your experience and enjoyment before visiting, please see my comprehensive and illustrated posts below:
Main attractions in the San Marco district
St Mark’s Basilica
The Clock Tower in St Mark’s Square
4 – The Correr Museum 4 – The Correr Museum 4 – The Correr Museum 4 – The Correr Museum