Private Art Galleries of San Marco.
Private Art Galleries of San Marco. In Venice explore lesser known galleries on a walking route from Piazza San Marco to the Academy bridge.
A must for art lovers seeking something more intimate and authentic, this walking route offers a unique glimpse into Venice’s thriving and vibrant creative spirit. It’s the perfect way for seeking cultural depth beyond the tourist crowds – for as the route progesses, the streets grow calmer.
For enthusiasts, you can continue your exploration of the city’s art scene along Dorsoduro’s famous “Gallery Mile”; from the Academy bridge to the Salute Basilica. This is covered in our recent comprehensive post “Galleries of the Dorsoduro”, linked below.
This post is a collaboration with guest contributor, Charlotte Seal.
Before starting, it would be beneficial to take a look at our unique all-in-one post – St Mark’s Square Guide. – Images of Venice
It will give you everything you need to know about the most famous square in Venice and all its main points of interest; including three of the most popular walks starting from the Piazza. It will transform your appreciation and enjoyment of both the historic square and the wider San Marco district; saving you valuable time, particularly if it your first visit and your time (and budget) is limited.
Private Art Galleries of San Marco – The Walking Route
Links (internal–external)
The walking tour starts in Venice’s historic Piazza San Marco.
The first stop is the Galleria Ravagnan, one of Venice’s most prestigious modern and contemporary art galleries, located beneath the arcades of the Procuratie Nuove on the southern aspect of St. Mark’s Square, and close to the famous Caffe Florian. Founded in 1967 by Luciano Ravagnan, it has hosted over 400 exhibitions and showcased renowned artists such as Lucio Fontana, Victor Vasarely, and Bruno Catalano. Today, the gallery is run by his children, Chiara and Carlo Ravagnan, who continue to champion innovative artistic expression.
The gallery’s historic location, close to the famous Caffe Florian, offers a striking contrast between Venice’s classical grandeur and the evolving language of contemporary art. Its exhibitions span painting and sculpture, often featuring both established and emerging artists.
In 2019, Galleria Ravagnan expanded with a second venue in Dorsoduro, directly across from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, reinforcing its role in Venice’s cultural dialogue. It’s a compelling stop for anyone exploring the interplay between tradition and modernity in Venetian art. Gallery Ravagnan – San Marco and Dorsoduro
One of Venice’s most famous local and still living artists that the gallery represents is Ludovico de Luigi, known for his surreal and visionary artworks that explore the history, culture and identity of this city. Read all about this fascinating character and his artwork, in our post: Depicting Venice – Ludovico De Luigi
Passing under the large arcade of the Napoleonic wing, you may notice a plaque on the floor. It marks the spot where the first Italian parliament met in 1861. This was after Venice became part of the Kingdom of Italy, following the Third Italian War of Independence and the Treaty of Vienna.
Through the arcade, you enter a small street named Calle dell’ Ascensione, and along the wall you can find a series of bronze plaques of interesting historical figures. Turning to the left and then quickly first right, leads you into a series of streets that form the main thoroughfare to the Academy bridge, for crossing over to the Dorsoduro district.
The route would normally take you about 25-30 minutes’ without stopping. However, apart from the listed galleries; there is much to admire; including several beautiful and highly decorated church facades and many luxury fashion and accessory shops.
Worth a look. Entering the Salizada S. Moisè, you can stop to admire, the wonderfully ornate baroque church of San Moise (Moses). The church is a striking example of Baroque exuberance – a small church with a bold presence. Originally founded in the 8th or 9th century and rebuilt multiple times, it was rededicated to Moses – reflecting the Venetian tradition of venerating Old Testament prophets. Its flamboyant façade, designed by Alessandro Tremignon in 1668, is lavishly adorned with sculptures attributed to Heinrich Meyring, including a bust of the patron Vincenzo Fini.
Inside, is a monumental altarpiece depicting Moses receiving the Tablets, a Washing of the Feet by Tintoretto, and a Last Supper by Palma il Giovane. It also houses the tomb of John Law, the infamous Scottish financier behind the Mississippi Scheme.
Crossing over the small Ponte S. Moisè and passing luxury boutique stores, you enter the wider Calle Larga XXII Marzo (photo below left), You will find on the left hand side right next to Giorgio Armani, the Galleria d’Arte Contini. This gallery (photo below right) has been at the helm of art collectors in Venice since 1979. They have four locations between Venice and Cortina d’Ampezzo, but this four story location is their main venue. This venue houses the most prestigious names in modern and contemporary art, such as Fernando Botero, Julio Larraz, Manolo Valdés and Park Eun Sun. The gallery is still run by its founder, Stefano Contini, along with his wife Riccarda Grasselli Contini.
Their website pitches the unique experience that this Gallery offers; “40 years of experience; more than 11,000 square feet of exhibition. But, above all, it’s our way of perceiving beauty that makes Contini Art Gallery so unique”. Much more than just an art boutique: a real home, where you will feel welcome every time you long to feel captivated by beauty. “Only a city as special as Venice could inspire our philosophy, merging the prestige of exclusivity with the warmth of a family atmosphere”. Galleria d’Arte Contini-Venice
Continuing on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, to the left you will find a glass boutique called Murino in Venice. The name of the boutique describes well its content. It carries glasswork from some of Murano’s most respected artists, such as works by Adriano Mellara, a master of glass artwork, known for the brightness of colour in his glass. Murano In Venice has numerous locations in the San Marco area, so this boutique isn’t entirely unique, but their boutiques are run by experts and carry authentic Murano artisans, so it’s worth taking a look. They don’t appear to have a website, but the link goes to a Google search page on Murano glassware and includes their establishment. Murano in Venice” Factory Shop-Calle Larga
Leaving the Calle Larga, you proceed a short distance to the the end of the narrow Calle delle Ostreghe, where Giobagnera Contemporary Art Venice, is located. This luxury home and art boutique was originally founded in 1984 in Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, and has since expanded to 3 other locations around San Marco. These boutiques, run by an all-Venetian team, curate art and items specifically for the home, through an understanding of culture, history and quality. It aspires to collect artworks and items of the most traditional Italian quality, always with an eye to contemporary sophistication. Giobagnera Contemporary Art Venice
Worth a look. Across the Campo Santa Maria Zobenigo, is the church of Santa Maria del Giglio (lily and also known as S. M. Zobenigo). The Church is a striking Baroque gem and a place where personal legacy, artistic grandeur, and religious devotion converge. Originally founded in the 10th century, it was completely rebuilt in the late 17th century under the patronage of Admiral Antonio Barbaro, whose legacy is lavishly celebrated on the church’s dramatic façade. Designed by Giuseppe Sardi, the façade is a theatrical display of sculpted maps, allegorical figures, and portraits of the Barbaro family – an unusual feature in Venetian ecclesiastical architecture. Inside, the church houses the only painting by Peter Paul Rubens in Venice, Madonna and Child with Saint John, along with works by Tintoretto, Piazzetta, and Palma the Younger.
In front of the church, you cross over a small bridge and in a few metres, enter into Campo San Maurizio. On the right you will find the Schola San Zaccharia. This small gallery displays art created under the school of traditional Italian artistry, particularly using pencil, ink, lithography, silk screen printing and etching. The school is now run by Gianfranco Missiaja. Apart from his recognizable paintings one can also find exclusive frames in gold leaf by the artist. His art is particularly inspired by the Venetian aesthetic. Schola San Zaccharia
Worth a look. Also in Campo San Maurizio is Palazzo Zaguri, a 14th century Venetian palace, which hosts art and history exhibitions and different points in the year. In 2025, it is hosting an exhibition on ancient artifacts from ancient Egypt. Tickets for adults are 18 euros, but the exhibition space is large and well organized, and worth around an hour of time to explore such astounding ancient objects and art. Palazzo Zaguri
Also in Campo San Maurizio is the Micromega Arte e Cultura centre, which hosts occasional exhibitions, though not consistently. Keep an eye out for exhibition signs across from Palazzo Zaguri.
This Campo also hosts the Venice Museum of Music in the historic ex-Chiesa San Maurizio, presenting a range of antique and beautiful instruments. Artemio Versari’s collection, “Antonio Vivaldi and His Time”; recounts the golden epoch of stringed instrument making in 18th century Venice. Learn about the “schools” of Italian musical instrument making, the differences in design and construction, the manner in which they were made and the evolution of musical style. The Museo della Musica, is a veritable jewel; that can take the visitor on a journey into the history of music. 19 – Museo della Musica
Continuing on from Campo San Maurizio down Calle dello Spezier, you’ll find the on your left. the Bel Air Fine Art Gallery. (photo above).
Although Bel-Air galleries are not specific to Venice and found all over the world, they showcase contemporary artwork that is often provoking and amusing. This specific gallery has a courtyard in front, where playful sculptures are presented to the public in a visually impressive way.
Bel Air Fine Art Gallery, San Marco, Venice.
Entering into the Campo Santa Stefano, a beautiful and tranquil space, you then have reached the final stage of the walk. It’s a very popular space to watch the world go by, with wonderful restaurants, bars and cafes.
Rather than smaller private galleries, the campo is lined with culturally active buildings which are worth taking a look at, such as the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Letter, ed Arti in Palazzo Loredan, which has a beautiful garden that reaches from the Campo to the Grand Canal. The Conservatorio di Musica Benedetto Marcello is also adjacent to Campo Santa Stefano, so often the music of the conservatory echoes through the piazza.
Looking to the right, towards the northern end of the campo is the Chiesa Santa Stefano, an Augustinian church built in 1294. It is architecturally unique and historically compelling. Though the church itself is an incredible artefact in itself, it also houses the Museum of Sacred Art of Venice (photo left). You will find yourself presented with two masterpieces of Tintoretto, alongside other astounding archaic religious artworks of similar stature. Member of the Chorus group of churches.
Museum of Sacred Art of Venice
Walking towards the Academy bridge end of Campo Santa Stefano, you will find the entrance to SPARC or Spazio Arte Contemporanea. This beautiful art space on the second floor overlooking the Campo hosts free contemporary art exhibits, each focusing on a singular artistic exploration of an upcoming artist. The space is run by Venice Art Factory, which is an organisation run by a collective of experienced, Venetian art curators. They work on projects both inside and outside the Biennale. SPARC is a calm artistic hub in the heart of Venice, that leaves space for emotional and intellectual exploration. Venice Art Factory
Worth a look. On the right, just before the final approach to the Academy bridge is the ex-Chiesa di San Vidal. Beautifully positioned and truly baroque in style, it is a fascinating blend of sacred history and musical revival. Originally built in 1084 under Doge Vitale Falier and again after a fire in 1105, and finally in the 17th century under architect Antonio Gaspari. The current facade was designed by Andrea Tirali (1734–1737), featuring sculptures of Doge Carlo Contarini and his wife. Inside, there are significant artworks and statues, as well as a fine alterpiece “San Vidal on Horseback with Eight Saints” by Vittore Carpaccio (1514). This church has been deconsecrated and now serves as a concert hall, with its superb acoustics and intimate atmosphere most famously hosting performances by the chamber ensemble Interpreti Veneziani. For a memorable evening out, consider dinner in the campo, followed by a concert in this church. Interpreti Veneziani – Baroque Music Concerts in Venice
Still in Campo Santa Stefano, and the final stop before continuing on to the Academy Bridge, is quite opposite to SPARC in nature, but not in artistic authenticity. It is Cavalier Venice, a gilding artisan shop run by Gianni and Alberto Cavalier. This family run shop has been gilding for generations, meaning that they apply gold leaf to hand carved wooden pieces, often frames, masks or decorative objects. You can often watch Alberto working on his new projects in his shop, ask him questions about the process and commission him to work on something new for you. Cavalier Venice-Instagram link.
If you wish to extend your exploration of the vibrant art scene from the Academy bridge to the Salute Basilica, please see our comprehensive post of Venice’s famous “Gallery Mile”: Galleries of the Dorsoduro
Links (internal–external).
Graffiti and Street Art in Venice
Venetian Artists-18th Century (Introduction)
We cannot find any videos of the exact walking route, but the two below includes parts of the route:
Venice Walk Tour From San Mark’s Square to Accademia Bridge
Private Art Galleries of San Marco Private Art Galleries of San Marco Private Art Galleries of San Marco
Private Art Galleries of San Marco Private Art Galleries of San Marco Private Art Galleries of San Marco