Palazzo Grassi : Picture yourself arriving by gondola — just as guests once did. This would be the first thing you see inside the palace — wow!
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Palazzo Grassi

Where contemporary art meets a classical palace

Contemporary art museum inside a grand 17th-century Venetian palace, blending modern exhibitions with historic architecture.

Art Venues Virtual Tours

What makes this place special

The last of its kind

It was the last palace built along the Grand Canal before the decline of the Venetian Republic. Construction began in 1748 under architect Giorgio Massari, who was at the time finishing work on Ca' Rezzonico, standing just opposite on the other side of the Grand Canal.

Radical transformation

After changing hands and uses, art collector François Pinault acquired the palace in 2005. Following a remarkable renovation by architect Tadao Ando, the palace reopened in April 2006 as an art museum.

Exibitions

Inside, annual rotating exhibitions showcase works from artists such as Daniel Buren, Damien Hirst, Roni Horn, Yayoi Kusama, Sherrie Levine, Bruce Nauman, Irving Penn, Charles Ray, Cindy Sherman, Tatiana Trouvé, and more.

Where classic meets contemporary

You'll find a captivating dialogue between past and present: avant-garde contemporary art exhibitions set against the backdrop of the palace's classical decorations. It's a unique blend that invites you to experience two worlds of creativity in one place.

Palazzo Grassi : If you look up, you’ll be greeted by a majestic 18th-century ceiling fresco by Giambattista Canal — an allegorical composition bursting with drama and color.

Discover more about Palazzo Grassi through 17 photos with explanations.

Open gallery

A virtual preview

Contemporary art invites personal interpretation, and a virtual visit is a useful way to decide whether this collection is worth your time.

Explore highlights from the gallery's collections on Google Arts & Culture, from the comfort of where you are.

Start virtual visit

Who is Mr. Pinault?

François Pinault is a French art collector known for his interest in contemporary art and for supporting a range of emerging and established artists.

Two of his museum spaces are located in Venice, each offering a different perspective on contemporary art within historic settings.

See the twin collection

Admire Palazzo Grassi from the water

The last great palace built on the Grand Canal, Palazzo Grassi stands apart with its restrained classical style, contrasting sharply with the elaborate Baroque facades across the water, including Ca' Rezzonico.

The best way to appreciate both styles is from the water, where the contrasting facades reveal their details as you glide between them by boat or vaporetto.

Palazzo Grassi : The grand facade overlooks Grand Canal, right vis-à-vis Ca' Rezzonico
Cruise the Grand Canal

Your questions, answered

Common questions about visiting Palazzo Grassi, answered to help you plan your visit.

Is it worth visiting if I'm not into contemporary art?

Even if contemporary art isn't your main interest, Palazzo Grassi itself is the real highlight, with its grand historic interiors and impressive frescoed rooms.

How can I visit the other Pinault Collection at Punta della Dogana with the same ticket?

The entrance ticket to Palazzo Grassi is valid for both venues, but only for one day, so both sites must be visited on the same day.

What to see nearby

These top spots are just a short walk from Palazzo Grassi:

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