Galleria dell’Accademia: The Pantheon of Venetian Art

The Gallerie dell’Accademia houses the most valuable collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to the 18th century. In the historic rooms of the former church and monastery Santa Maria della Carità You'll encounter the giants of art history: Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and Canaletto. It is the place where the colors of Venice have been captured for eternity.

Why You Should Visit Them

• The Evolution of Color: Nowhere else can the transition from austere Byzantine art to the luminous, atmospheric painting of the Renaissance be traced so seamlessly.
• Leonardo da Vinci's Legacy: The museum houses the famous „Vitruvian Man.“ Since the drawing is extremely sensitive to light, the original is rarely displayed, but Leonardo’s spirit permeates the collection.
• Gigantic Masterpieces: Admire monumental works such as Veronese’s „The Banquet at the House of Levi,“ one of the largest canvas paintings of the 16th century, which once sparked heated debates with the Inquisition.
• A Glimpse into Old Venice: Canaletto and Guardi's vedute show you Venice as it was in centuries past in such fine detail that it's as if you were looking through a window into the past.

Important Information for Your Visit

• Three buildings in one: The gallery extends across the former church, the monastery, and the Scuola of the Confraternity of Charity.
• Titian's last work: The museum houses the impressive „Pietà,“ Titian’s last painting, which he had originally intended for his own tomb.
• Giorgione's Riddle: One of the most mysterious paintings in art history, „The Storm“ (La Tempesta), is located here and continues to baffle researchers to this day.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed in part by the famous architect Andrea Palladio.

Location: In the Dorsoduro district, right at the foot of the Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia).

Directions: Vaporetto lines 1 or 2, „Accademia“ stop.

Length of the visit: Set aside at least 2 to 2.5 hours to enjoy the main galleries at a leisurely pace.

My tip: The Gallerie dell’Accademia is located in one of Venice’s most beautiful neighborhoods, Dorsoduro. Combine your visit with a stroll to the „Zattere,“ the wide waterfront promenade along the Giudecca Canal, to reflect on your experience while enjoying a gelato.