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Punta della Dogana : The former customs house sits at the entrance of Canal Grande, next to Santa Maria della Salute (visible on the right side of the photo).

Punta della Dogana

Pinault Collection

Contemporary art museum in a former customs building, right beside a prime vantage point.

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Standard admission is €18. Availability can vary with ongoing exhibitions. Ticket includes entry to Palazzo Grassi.

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What makes it special

Dogana da Mar

Originally a 17th-century customs house, the building taxed and stored goods arriving by sea before transferring them to ships for distribution through Venice's canals.

Triangular shape

The building’s interesting shape results from the spatial constraints at the narrow eastern tip of Dorsoduro.

An iconic weathervane

Atop the tower at the tip of the triangle, two Atlas figures lift a gilded globe with the statue of Fortuna indicating the wind’s direction. The statue reminded traders of fate's unpredictability.

The transformation

Much like Palazzo Grassi, the building was spectacularly redesigned by architect Tadao Ando to host rotating contemporary art exhibitions from François Pinault’s collection.

Punta della Dogana : The expansive ground-floor exhibition halls are flooded with natural light, clearly showcasing the clever transformation of the former customs building.

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Why visit Punta della Dogana

  • Experience bold contemporary art in a spectacular yet discreet location.
  • Plus, take advantage of included access to Palazzo Grassi.
  • Enjoy spectacular 270° views of the Venetian waterfront — especially at sunrise and sunset.
Punta della Dogana : As the sun rises, its early rays bathe some of Venice's most iconic sights in a gentle pink glow.

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Book tickets online

Tickets include access to both modern art collections curated by François Pinault in Venice: Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana.

You basically get two cutting-edge galleries in one package.

The only catch is you need to visit both on the same day — but that’s easy, as they’re just a 15-minute scenic walk across the Accademia Bridge or four stops apart on water bus #1.

Enhance your experience

  • Be there at sunrise too

    Sunrise is a magical time to watch the city wake up.

    From this vantage point, you can see Palazzo Ducale bathed in soft pink hues as the morning light spreads, and the basin slowly stirs with boat traffic.

  • Virtual visit

    Explore the gallery's collections on Google Arts & Culture, from the comfort of your current location.

  • Take the Traghetto

    Right across Canal Grande lies Piazza San Marco, easily accessible via this budget-friendly gondola service.

    At just €2, it’s the cheapest gondola ride available.

    Though short, it’s a scenic experience aboard a larger gondola rowed by two oarsmen.

Who is Mr. Pinault?

François Pinault is one of the world’s most influential art collectors, celebrated for championing cutting-edge contemporary artists.

Two of his three visionary venues are located in Venice, offering visitors a unique blend of art and history.

Exploring them is a must for anyone curious about the future of modern art.

Nearby

These top spots are steps away from Punta della Dogana: