The Best Museums in Venice: A Guide for Travellers
Beyond the stunning palaces and famous landmarks, the city’s museums offer a deep dive into its past—from the grandeur of the Venetian Republic to the everyday life of its citizens. If you’re a traveller interested in history, here are the five best historical museums in Venice that you shouldn’t miss.
1. The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Why Visit?
A visit to Venice is incomplete without stepping inside the Doge’s Palace, the seat of power for the Venetian Republic. This grand Gothic palace was home to the Doge (the venetian ruler/president) and his government, and it remains one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
Highlights:
- The Golden Staircase (Scala d’Oro), leading to the luxurious Doge’s apartments
- The Great Council Chamber, home to Paradise, one of the world’s largest oil paintings by Tintoretto
- The Bridge of Sighs, which leads to the old prisons (which are part of the museum) where Casanova was once imprisoned
Location: St. Mark’s Square
Tickets: From €30 (includes entrance to the Museo Correr)
2. Museo Correr
Why Visit?
Located in St. Mark’s Square, the Museo Correr is the perfect place to explore venetian political, social, and naval history. It was named after Teodoro Correr, who donated his private collection to the city, and it offers a fascinating look at Venice beyond its artistic heritage.
Highlights:
- Napoleon’s royal apartments, which he used when he occupied Venice in the 19th century
- A vast collection of maps, coins, and naval artefacts from the Venetian Republic
- Canova’s sculptures, showcasing the grandeur of neoclassical Venetian art
Location: St. Mark’s Square
Tickets: Included with the Doge’s Palace ticket (€30)
3. Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of 18th Century Venice
Why Visit?
This grand canal-side palace-turned-museum takes you back to 18th-century Venice, a time of opulence, masked balls, and lavish lifestyles. It offers an immersive look into how Venetian aristocrats lived during the city’s most extravagant era.
Highlights:
- Stunning frescoes by Tiepolo, capturing the elegance of the Rococo period
- Authentic furniture, chandeliers, and costumes from the 1700s
- The grand ballroom, where noble Venetians once danced the night away
Location: Dorsoduro
Tickets: From €10
4. The Naval History Museum (Museo Storico Navale)
Why Visit?
Venice was once a naval powerhouse, and this museum—located near the Arsenale—tells the story of its maritime dominance. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts who want to learn about the venetian seafaring past and military power.
Highlights:
- Models of Venetian ships, including the iconic Bucintoro, the Doge’s ceremonial barge
- The Arsenal’s history, showcasing Venice once-mighty shipbuilding industry
- Artefacts from the Venetian navy, including weapons, maps, and uniforms
Location: Castello (near the Arsenale)
Tickets: From €10
5. The Jewish Museum of Venice (Museo Ebraico di Venezia)
Why Visit?
Located in the heart of the historic Jewish Ghetto—the first of its kind in Europe—this museum offers an important look at the history and traditions of the venetian Jewish community. It provides insights into the religious, cultural, and social life of Jewish Venetians through the centuries.
Highlights:
- Ancient Torah scrolls, manuscripts, and religious artefacts
- The history of the Venetian Ghetto, where Jews were confined from 1516 to 1797
- Access to historic synagogues, some of the oldest in Europe
Location: Cannaregio (Jewish Ghetto)
Tickets: From €12 (includes guided tours of synagogues)
Don’t Miss Out
Venice is a city built on history, and these museums allow travellers to step back in time and experience its past firsthand. Whether you’re exploring the political intrigue of the Doge’s Palace, the maritime might of the Naval Museum, or the cultural richness of the Jewish Museum, each of these places reveals a different chapter of venetian history.
And while you’re here, don’t forget to book your once-in-a-lifetime boat tour with Vidal Venice Tours by clicking here!