Ca’ Pesaro: Modern and Oriental Art in a Baroque Palace

Ca’ Pesaro is a Baroque palace that leaves you breathless the moment you see it on the Grand Canal. It’s not just an architectural gem: inside you’ll find two museums, each more beautiful than the other. On the first and second floors, the International Gallery of Modern Art, with works from the 19th century onwards, and on the third floor, the Museum of Oriental Art. Yes, modern art and oriental art under one roof. And what works! Judith II (Salome) by Klimt, The Thinker by Rodin, Chagall, Kandinsky… Stuff that would make any other museum pale in comparison. The rusticated facade and sculpted decorations welcome you like a royal palace. A tip: take all the time you need to wander through the rooms, because every corner holds a surprise.

Ca’ Pesaro is a Baroque palace that leaves you breathless the moment you see it on the Grand Canal. It’s not just an architectural gem: inside you’ll find two museums, each more beautiful than the other. On the first and second floors, the International Gallery of Modern Art, with works from the 19th century onwards, and on the third floor, the Museum of Oriental Art. Yes, modern art and oriental art under one roof. And what works! Judith II (Salome) by Klimt, The Thinker by Rodin, Chagall, Kandinsky… Stuff that would make any other museum pale in comparison. The rusticated facade and sculpted decorations welcome you like a royal palace. A tip: take all the time you need to wander through the rooms, because every corner holds a surprise.

Construction began in 1659 based on a design by Baldassare Longhena, the same architect of the Basilica della Salute, and was completed by Antonio Gaspari in 1710. The palace was commissioned by the powerful Pesaro family, who lived there until 1830. After various transfers, in 1898 Duchess Felicita Bevilacqua donated it to the Municipality of Venice with the aim of creating a center for contemporary art. Thus in 1902 the International Gallery of Modern Art opened. The Museum of Oriental Art was founded in 1925 with the collection of Enrico di Borbone. Today Ca’ Pesaro is part of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. Here are the key moments:

• 1659-1710 – Construction of the palace
• 1898 – Donation to the Municipality by Duchess Bevilacqua
• 1902 – Opening of the Modern Art Gallery
• 1925 – Establishment of the Museum of Oriental Art

Construction began in 1659 based on a design by Baldassare Longhena, the same architect of the Basilica della Salute, and was completed by Antonio Gaspari in 1710. The palace was commissioned by the powerful Pesaro family, who lived there until 1830. After various transfers, in 1898 Duchess Felicita Bevilacqua donated it to the Municipality of Venice with the aim of creating a center for contemporary art. Thus in 1902 the International Gallery of Modern Art opened. The Museum of Oriental Art was founded in 1925 with the collection of Enrico di Borbone. Today Ca’ Pesaro is part of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. Here are the key moments:

• 1659-1710 – Construction of the palace
• 1898 – Donation to the Municipality by Duchess Bevilacqua
• 1902 – Opening of the Modern Art Gallery
• 1925 – Establishment of the Museum of Oriental Art

Entering, you come face to face with Judith II (Salome) by Gustav Klimt, a hypnotic work with a gold background. A little further on, The Thinker by Auguste Rodin gazes at you thoughtfully. The collection is a journey from Symbolism to Abstract art, with pieces by Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee, Matisse, and many Italians like Balla, Morandi, Casorati, and Martini. In 2019, 32 works by 20th-century Italian artists arrived, including Carrà, Sironi, and Campigli. The Gallery was founded in 1897 for the second Venice Biennale and continues to grow through donations and acquisitions. Temporary exhibitions are also a highlight: in 2026, for example, Jenny Saville and Hernan Bas.

Entering, you come face to face with Judith II (Salome) by Gustav Klimt, a hypnotic work with a gold background. A little further on, The Thinker by Auguste Rodin gazes at you thoughtfully. The collection is a journey from Symbolism to Abstract art, with pieces by Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee, Matisse, and many Italians like Balla, Morandi, Casorati, and Martini. In 2019, 32 works by 20th-century Italian artists arrived, including Carrà, Sironi, and Campigli. The Gallery was founded in 1897 for the second Venice Biennale and continues to grow through donations and acquisitions. Temporary exhibitions are also a highlight: in 2026, for example, Jenny Saville and Hernan Bas.

As you go up to the third floor, a distant world opens before you. The Museum of Oriental Art is a treasure trove of Japanese art from the Edo period (1603–1868). The collection was gathered by Count Enrico di Borbone during his travels in Asia at the end of the 19th century. Here you will find samurai armor, exquisite vestments, wedding lacquerware, musical instruments, and ritual objects. Each piece tells the story of Japanese craftsmanship. It is one of the most important European collections of its kind. Don’t expect only vases and kimonos: the variety is surprising. After admiring modern masterpieces, this plunge into the Orient is an experience that rounds out your visit.

As you go up to the third floor, a distant world opens before you. The Museum of Oriental Art is a treasure trove of Japanese art from the Edo period (1603–1868). The collection was gathered by Count Enrico di Borbone during his travels in Asia at the end of the 19th century. Here you will find samurai armor, exquisite vestments, wedding lacquerware, musical instruments, and ritual objects. Each piece tells the story of Japanese craftsmanship. It is one of the most important European collections of its kind. Don’t expect only vases and kimonos: the variety is surprising. After admiring modern masterpieces, this plunge into the Orient is an experience that rounds out your visit.

Reason 1: It’s the only place in Venice where you’ll find two such different museums under one roof: modern and oriental art. Reason 2: Its location on the Grand Canal offers spectacular views from the café and windows. Stop for a coffee and enjoy the scenery. Reason 3: The temporary exhibitions are always top-notch, like the Jenny Saville solo show in 2026. Plus, the combined ticket (€14) includes both museums and is valid all day. If you love art, it’s a must-see.

Reason 1: It’s the only place in Venice where you’ll find two such different museums under one roof: modern and oriental art. Reason 2: Its location on the Grand Canal offers spectacular views from the café and windows. Stop for a coffee and enjoy the scenery. Reason 3: The temporary exhibitions are always top-notch, like the Jenny Saville solo show in 2026. Plus, the combined ticket (€14) includes both museums and is valid all day. If you love art, it’s a must-see.

I suggest a weekday afternoon, when tourist crowds thin out. The late afternoon light filters through the windows and brings the colors of the paintings and lacquerware to life. Plus, on Fridays and Saturdays the museum stays open until 8:00 PM, perfect for an evening visit. Avoid Mondays, as the museum is closed. If you can, choose autumn or spring: fewer people and pleasant temperatures for a stroll along the Grand Canal after the visit.

I suggest a weekday afternoon, when tourist crowds thin out. The late afternoon light filters through the windows and brings the colors of the paintings and lacquerware to life. Plus, on Fridays and Saturdays the museum stays open until 8:00 PM, perfect for an evening visit. Avoid Mondays, as the museum is closed. If you can, choose autumn or spring: fewer people and pleasant temperatures for a stroll along the Grand Canal after the visit.

Just a few minutes’ walk away is Ca’ Rezzonico, another Baroque palace by Longhena, home to the Museum of 18th-Century Venice: a collection of period furniture, paintings, and furnishings. Or, if you want to blend art with Venetian life, head to the Rialto Market, where you can grab a snack of cicchetti and an ombra of wine. Both spots are easily reachable on foot and perfectly round off a day dedicated to culture.

Just a few minutes’ walk away is Ca’ Rezzonico, another Baroque palace by Longhena, home to the Museum of 18th-Century Venice: a collection of period furniture, paintings, and furnishings. Or, if you want to blend art with Venetian life, head to the Rialto Market, where you can grab a snack of cicchetti and an ombra of wine. Both spots are easily reachable on foot and perfectly round off a day dedicated to culture.