Venice Museum Guide
Venice Museum Guide. This post contains my “Top 25 Recommendations” and is one of the most comprehensive guides to the city’s finest museums.
This introductory guide features direct links to each of my 25 Individual museum posts, fully updated for Winter 2025; and includes everything you need to get full information and any current requirements/conditions for entry.
Included is the MUVE (Civic Museums of Venice Foundation) and several other discount schemes, with pass/card options, pricing structures and concessionary reductions.
To gain the most benefit and enjoyment out of your visit and to maximise your time each day, it is worthwhile choosing museums and other main attractions, that are reasonably close together. To this end, in the Links Section are other relevant posts – such as my series about each of Venice’s six “Districts and Main Attractions”.
Remember in the current inflationary environment, prices are rising and concessions offered may be subject to change. Unfortunately, some private organisations offering tourist services appear to be slow in updating their sites, so I would recommend checking through the official museum websites (especially if considering making advanced bookings and timed entry slots).
Venice has a plethora of museums, (state, civic and private), but I would also firmly recommend you to visit the various “Scuola Grandi” of Venice. These are amazing institutions, both from an architectural, cultural and art perspective – wonderful historic buildings with some of the finest decoration and collections of Venetian paintings. A few are still active today. They are all found below in the Links Section and includes one minor scuola (degli Schiavoni), as it is an absolute jewel box, that must be seen.
I hope you find this introductory post containing my “Top 25 Museum Recommendations”, useful for planning your visit to Venice.
Introduction
A few further questions answered
MUVE (Civic Museums of Venice Foundation) Schemes
My Top 25 recommendations
LINKS (internal-external)
Introduction. Venice Museum Guide
Venice is one of those cities that steals your breath from the moment you arrive. This unique and wonderful aquatic city and its many islands, rising out of its own lagoon; is overflowing with beauty, history and culture. Most visitors will agree, that it’s a city that leaves an everlasting and unforgettable imprint.
Although you could easily spend an entire vacation simply wandering the streets, you’ll want to visit Venice’s museums, to fully appreciate its history and culture. With many museums to choose from, I’m sure that you’ll find something that sparks your interest.
What sets Venice aside, is that many of these museums, are situated in palaces or buildings of immense beauty, architectural and historical significance.
Apart from the main museums, the route westwards out of St Mark’s Square, leading to the Academy Bridge in San Marco district and from the other side this bridge down to the “Salute” church, in the Dorsoduro district; has many a number of smaller retail galleries and high-end boutiques. An experience not to miss – Venice has it all!
Also, do consider visiting the “Scuole Grande” (Schools) of Venice. These are amazing institutions, both from an architectural, cultural and art perspective – wonderful historic buildings with some of the finest decoration and collections of Venetian paintings. One is still active today. Included is one minor one – the “Scuola degli Schiavoni”; as it is an absolute jewel box, that must be seen.
You can get online entrance tickets from many other tourist websites, ticketing agencies or via your hotel reception. However, I have given direct links to every museum’s website; which gives you the best and up-to-date information; regarding every aspect of your proposed visit, including any current health regulations in force, required for entry. Take care if using AI – many Venice sites that it trawls through for information, are slow to update their price structures. Remember the inflationary environment means rising prices and concessions offered may change – so always check the official website. You may also find it easier to get refunds, (especially if you cannot comply with their regulations on entry).
A FEW FURTHER QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How many free museums are in Venice? While there are very few free museums in Venice, you can still visit some of the city’s top attractions for an affordable price. All government-run museums, are also free during the first Sunday of the month. It’s best to arrive early during free admission days, as the lines can be long in the high season. Please note that ome popular sites may require advance reservations, even on free days, due to high demand.
What are the hours of the museums in Venice? Most museums in Venice, open between 9-10 in the morning and close between 4-6 pm and may have variable summer/winter opening times. While some museums are open 7 days a week, it’s not uncommon for some to be closed on Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday. Even though I have given the opening hours for each museum, please double-check the official websites for exact hours. They may have a cafe/restaurant and a bookshop.
What can I bring in Venice Museums? While photography is usually allowed in Venice Museums, you may be prohibited from using flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. There are some museums that don’t allow large backpacks or suitcases. When visiting religious monuments or churches, make sure to dress appropriately. That means not exposing your shoulders or too much leg.
MUVE (Civic Museums of Venice Foundation)
MUVE passes are a smart and enriching way to explore Venice’s cultural treasures. They’re worth considering: They cover multiple museums for a fraction of individual ticket prices. Allows a deep dive into Venetian history, art, and craftsmanship. Ideal for both short-term tourists and long-term residents.
Access to 12 Civic Museums: Including iconic sites like the Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Murano Glass Museum, Burano Lace Museum, and Ca’ Pesaro.
Flexible Options offered:
Standard Venice Museum Pass: One-time access to all 12 museums, valid for 6 months.
MUVE Friend Card: Unlimited visits for 12 months, perfect for locals or long-term visitors.
This useful chart below will help understand what’s on offer, and really helpful if you plan to visit several of these civic museums in one day. To maximize your time and enjoyment in Venice, it is also worthwhile planning your day to include other main attractions in the districts they are located in. Please see my series of posts “Districts and Main Attractions” in the Links section below.
| Museum Name | Location | Summer Hours (Apr–Oct) | Winter Hours (Nov–Mar) | Closed Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doge’s Palace | Piazza San Marco | 09:00–19:00 | 09:00–18:00 | Open daily |
| Museo Correr | Piazza San Marco | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Open daily |
| Museo Archeologico Nazionale | Piazza San Marco | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Open daily |
| Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (Monumental Rooms) | Piazza San Marco | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Open daily |
| Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of 18th-century Venice | Dorsoduro | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Tuesday |
| Carlo Goldoni’s House | San Polo | 10:00–16:00 | 10:00–16:00 | Wednesday |
| Palazzo Mocenigo – Textile & Costume Museum | Santa Croce | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Monday |
| Ca’ Pesaro – Modern & Oriental Art | Santa Croce | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Monday |
| Fortuny Museum | San Marco | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Tuesday |
| Murano Glass Museum | Murano | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–17:00 | Open daily |
| Burano Lace Museum | Burano | 10:00–16:00 | 10:00–16:00 | Monday |
| Natural History Museum (Giancarlo Ligabue) | Santa Croce | 10:00–18:00 | 09:00–17:00 | Monday |
| Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio) | Piazza San Marco | By reservation only | By reservation only | — |
You can find full details on MUVE’s Official Website (English):
Foundation – Museums – Exhibitions – Events – Libraries – MUVE Education – Contacts – Tickets
The Venice Museum Pass
Under the MUVE scheme, it covers 12 of the 13 museums listed in the chart. The only one not included is the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio), which requires a separate reservation and ticket. The ticket can be used within 6 months from the date of purchase.
Remember to check the opening days and times of each museum you wish to visit.
SINGLE € 40,000
FAMILY € 22,000
BOYS € 22,000
STUDENTS € 22,000
OVER 65 € 22,000
ROLLING € 22,000
CHILDREN 0,00
MUVE offers several ticket types:
Museum Pass
- Access to all civic museums
- Valid for 6 months
- Adult: €35
- Reduced (students 6–25, 65+): €28
- Family Pass: €24 per adult + €18 per child (6–14)
St. Mark’s Square Museums Ticket
- Includes Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
- Adult: €25
- Reduced: €13
- Children under 6: Free
The MUVE Friend Card
It is a nominal pass granting direct and unlimited access to all the permanent collections of the Civic Museums of Venice and State Museums part of the integrated system (Clock Tower and museum itineraries with separate ticketing not included). For residents in the city of Venice, free entrance is granted also to another person accompanying the MUVE Friend Card holder. The Card is valid for 12 months from the subscription date and could be retired in every museum part of the system (not at the Clock Tower).
The Card grants free entrance to:
THE ST MARK’S SQUARE MUSEUM
- Doge’s Palace
- Museo Correr
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale
- Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
ALL THE CIVIC MUSEUMS IN VENICE
- Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of 18th-Century Venice
- Carlo Goldoni’s House
- Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo
- Ca’ Pesaro, International Gallery of Modern Art + Oriental Art Museum
- Glass Museum – Murano
- Lace Museum – Burano
- Natural History Museum
- Fortuny Palace
Benefits of MUVE Friend Card also include:
- Reduced entrance ticket to visit exhibitions with entrance fee held at Civic Museums of Venice
- Personal invitations to all the openings of temporary exhibitions held at Civic Museums of Venice
- E-newsletters to be informed about all the activities of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia
- Special initiatives and events, organized only for MUVE Friend Card holders
- Other benefits and promotions dedicated exclusively to MUVE Friend Card holders
Two versions are available:
MUVE Friend Card Blue – Standard Euro 50
MUVE Friend Card Red – Concessionary Euro 30 Card for students up to 26 years of age, teachers in service, residents, and those born in the Municipality of Venice (free admission will be extended to one accompanying adult for the latter).
Contacts.
Booking office Call center: 848082000 (from Italy); +39 041 42730892 (only from abroad); Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00-13:00.
Email: [email protected] – Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia Piazza San Marco 52 30124 Venezia
Venice Museum Guide Venice Museum Guide Venice Museum Guide Venice Museum Guide
My Top 25 recommendations
Select your museum and click on the link.
Check further below for the 11 museums in the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia (MUVE).
1 – Palazzo Ducale (The Doge’s Palace)
2 – Peggy Guggenheim Collection
6 – Scuola Grande di San Rocco
7 – San Servolo Mental Health Asylum Museum
8 – Palazzo Grassi (Francois Pinault Collection)
11 – Fondazione Querini Stampalia
16 – Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia
18 – Museo Storico Navale di Venezia
20 – Fondazione Emilio e Annabianca Vedova
24 – Museo Provinciale di Torcello
25 – Museo Archeologico Nazionale
LINKS (internal–external)
SCUOLE GRANDI OF VENICE
Please also consider my series of posts; regarding the “Scuola Grandi of Venice”. The first post is an introduction, that covers the history and origins of the “scuola system”, followed by comprehensive and illustrated guides to each individual school. These are amazing institutions, both from an architectural, cultural and art perspective – wonderful historic buildings with some of the finest decoration and collections of Venetian paintings. A few are still active today. There is also one minor scuola (degli Schiavoni) included, as it is an absolute jewel box, that must be seen.
Click on the links below.
“Scuole Grandi of Venice-Introduction
“Scuola Grande della Misericordia”
DISTRICTS AND MAIN ATTRACTIONS
“Introduction – Districts and Attractions”
“Cannaregio – District and Attractions”
“Castello – District and Attractions”
“Dorsoduro – District and Attractions”
“San Croce – District and Attractions”
You will be surprised by the breadth and depth of information available!
Venice Discount Cards and Passes
VIDEO 8 mins: LE SCUOLE GRANDI: I TESORI SEGRETI DI VENEZIA
Venice Museum Guide Venice Museum Guide Venice Museum Guide Venice Museum Guide