Housed in one of the most legendary palazzos of the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice is among the city’s most visited attractions. The Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was purchased by the American collector Peggy Guggenheim in 1949, and it soon became her home. Nowadays, the museum’s impressive collection hosts mainly works of American modernists and Italian futurists and showcases genres like Surrealism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism.
According to the city’s statistics, the Venice Guggenheim Collection sees almost half a million visitors per year and is the most visited location after Doge’s Palace. As you can imagine, the museum is a must-see for your trip to Venice. Apart from the iconic works of art, the palazzo enjoys a strategic location in the Grand Canal. Standing on its waterfront terrace, you can see the Ponte dell’Accademia on your left and the Venetian lagoon on your right.
In this article, you’ll see several photos from my visit to Venice’s Guggenheim Collection, including images of paintings and the palazzo’s premises. I’ll also share background info about the art museum and useful tips for your visit.
So, let’s start with the Guggenheim photo report and see what you can expect.
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Facts about the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy
In this section, you will find facts about the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. The information provided in the following lines intends to give you a better overview of the museum and its importance. As you will read, this is more than a museum: it’s a cultural institution that sealed Venice’s identity.
Who was Peggy Guggenheim?
Peggy Guggenheim (1898-1979) was an American collector known for her refined taste in the arts. She mainly collected art between 1938 and 1946, and in 1949, she purchased the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Two years later, in 1951, she started presenting her collection and stayed in Venice until her death.
Peggy was the daughter of Benjamin Guggenheim, a successful American businessman who died on the Titanic in 1912. She was also the niece of Solomon Robert Guggenheim, who established the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. She was married twice: to Laurence Vail between 1922 and 1928 and to artist Max Ernst from 1941 to 1946.
Why is the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni called “an unfinished palace”?
Back in 1749, the Venier family, one of the oldest noble families of Venice, commissioned architect Lorenzo Boschetti to build their house in the Dorsoduro district. The initial plan was for the Palazzo to have five floors, and its façade should match the iconic Palazzo Corner della Ca’ Grande on the opposite side. However, a number of events made the completion of the palace impossible, and only the first floor was constructed.
Although “dei Leoni” translates to “of the lions,” it’s not for granted that a lion was indeed kept in the palace’s garden. The most likely explanation is that the name is connected to the lion heads decorating the façade. After several different owners, Peggy Guggenheim purchased the palazzo in 1949, and that’s where she worked, lived, and showcased her collection until her death in 1979.
What’s on show in the Guggenheim Collection Venice?
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice is one of the most important art institutions worldwide. Visitors can stroll around the sculpture garden in its stunning premises before heading to the temporary exhibition. You will see Peggy Guggenheim’s personal collection, accompanied by artworks from the Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof collections. Apart from the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions are often dedicated to highly acclaimed artists.
Which artists are exhibited in the Venice Guggenheim Collection?
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice presents some of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Renowned European and North American artists are exhibited in the Guggenheim, making it a must-see for art lovers. To give you a brief idea, here are some of the artists:
- Giorgio de Chirico (The Red Tower, The Nostalgia of the Poet)
- Georges Braque (The Clarinet)
- Marcel Duchamp (Sad Young Man on a Train)
- Francis Picabia (Very Rare Picture on Earth)
- Salvador Dalí (Birth of Liquid Desires)
- Pablo Picasso (The Poet, On the Beach)
- Joan Miró (Seated Woman II)
- Constantin Brâncuși (a sculpture from the Bird in Space series)
- Max Ernst (The Kiss, Attirement of the Bride)
- Wassily Kandinsky (Landscape with Red Spots, No. 2, White Cross)
- Alberto Giacometti (Woman with Her Throat Cut, Woman Walking)
- Paul Klee (Magic Garden)
- René Magritte (Empire of Light)
- Jackson Pollock (The Moon Woman, Alchemy)
These are just a few artists whose works you can see at the Venice Guggenheim. Of course, there are many more, and creating a complete list would be exhaustive. As I already mentioned, if you are an art lover, you shouldn’t miss this fascinating art museum.
Is it worth visiting the Guggenheim Collection in Venice?
Absolutely. The Guggenheim Collection is one of the leading institutions in the art world. It hosts iconic artists in one of the most beautiful Venetian palazzos. It’s a must-see for every art and architecture lover.
How many Guggenheim museums exist?
Apart from the one in Venice, Guggenheim museums exist in New York and Bilbao, and one in Abu Dhabi is planned. The Deutsche Guggenheim in Berlin, Germany, closed its doors in 2012.
Tips and info for your visit to the Guggenheim Collection in Venice
This section provides useful tips and information about your visit to Venice’s Guggenheim Museum.
Opening hours
The Guggenheim Collection in Venice is open daily between 10 am and 6 pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
There’s a museum shop and a beautiful cafe on site.
Guggenheim Collection Tickets
The museum advises visitors to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid queues. Due to the increased number of visitors, you are encouraged to arrive on time so you do not miss your pre-booked time slot. The last entrance is at 5 pm.
The regular tickets cost 16 euros and 23 euros if you want an audio guide.
You can purchase your museum ticket here.
Guided tours
If you would like to learn more about the Guggenheim Museum and its collection, there’s a variety of guided tours to choose from. An experienced tour guide will walk you through the museum and share background info about the palace and the artists.
You can request a guided tour on-site, but I suggest pre-booking one. Here is a fantastic guided tour of the museum.
The address
You will find the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice at Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Dorsoduro 701, I-30123 Venice. See the exact location of the museum on Google Maps.
How to get to the Guggenheim Collection in Venice
The museum is easily accessible due to its strategic location between the Ponte dell’Accademia and the Santa Maria della Salute Church.
From St Mark’s Square, it’s just a fifteen-minute walk to the museum. However, a much easier option is the Vaporetto.
The Venice Waterbus system offers easy access to every corner, and the Guggenheim is no exception. Vaporetto lines 1 and 2 call at Accademia or Salute stops; from there, it’s just a short walk to the Collection. Read my Vaporetto guide for more information on using it during your Venice stay.
I highly recommend buying a Vaporetto Pass for your daily commute in Venice; it’ll save you a lot of money.
Become a Member
The Museum Peggy Guggenheim runs its own loyalty program, and members can access specific benefits. Learn more about the museum’s loyalty program here.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice: Conclusion
Even if you don’t have a deep interest in the arts, visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice is a must. One of the most visited museums in Italy, the Guggenheim Collection showcases some of the most legendary artists of the 20th century. Moreover, with its beautiful gardens, the impressive palazzo offers amazing views of the Grand Canal.
Strolling around a beautiful palazzo, seeing up close art that reshaped a century, and enjoying the breathtaking vistas are among the best things to do in Venice. The Guggenheim Collection Venice ticks these three boxes, and I guarantee you’ll have a great time there. So, pre-book your ticket, fill your mind with impressions -and don’t forget to visit the cafe in the peaceful garden and unwind after your stroll.
More about Venice: La Fenice, How to book a gondola, Where to stay in Venice, Marco Polo Airport guide, Lido Guide
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Last Updated on April 27, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos