The Ca’ Pesaro in Venice is one of the most imposing and famous buildings facing the Canal Grande. In order to be able to build it, three existing historic palaces had to be destroyed. It is the seat of both the Modern Art Museum and the Museum for Oriental Art.
Ca’Pesaro Venice
Useful information
Address: Santa Croce 2076, 30135 – Venezia. Telephone: +39 041 721127. Vaporetto: Line 1 (stop San Stae). Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee: 10 Euro (65+, children between 6 and 14 years old, students between 15 and 25: 7,50 Euro; disabled persons + 1 accompanying person, children under 6: Free; families consisting of at least two adults and one child: 7,50 Euro per person. (These prices include the Ca’ Pesaro and the two museums).
History and description
The Ca’ Pesaro was built in the 17th century. Between 1558 and 1628 the Pesaro family had bought three neighbouring buildings. Baldassare Longhena was ordered to demolish these buildings and replace them with one large new palace.
It was probably more difficult than expected because when Longhena breathed his last, 20 years later, he hadn’t gotten any further than the first floor. The Ca’ Pesaro was not to be completed until 1710.
The colossal character of the palace was a bit of a thorn in the Venetians’ side, as rich families were not supposed to show off their wealth too much.
Modern Art Museum
Since 1902 the Ca’ Pesaro has been the seat of the Modern Art Museum. In those days the Biennale already exidted, but the jury was still very conservative in its their preferences. Artists who were unknown at that time, but are now considered pioneering, were exhibited in the Ca’Pesaro. Famous names include Klee, Klimt, Mirò and Italian artists such as Vedova and De Chirico.
Oriental Art Museum
The Museum of Oriental Art (Museo d’Arte Orientale) is also in Ca’ Pesaro. Highlight of the collection is the section dedicated to 17th to 19th century Japanese art.