In this article, I present Palazzo Grassi in Venicea superb palace belonging to French billionaire François Pinault!
Here you'll find
- An introduction to Palazzo Grassi and its history
- What you can see in this palace
- How to reach him easily
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Nearby attractions
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Palazzo Grassi, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Palazzo Grassi: article summary
Palazzo Grassi: home of the Pinault Foundation in Venice
Visit Palazzo Grassi is the headquarters of the Pinault Foundation Venice. French billionaire François Pinault, head of the luxury goods group Kering, is a renowned patron of the arts who has chosen the Serenissima to exhibit works from his rich collection.
The foundation's main building is this Palazzo Grassiwith its superb facade overlooking the Venice Grand Canal. The works can also be viewed at Punta della Dogana of Venice - as described below - and in Paris, within the the stock exchange located in the 1er arrondissement of the capital.
If you're an art lover, this is a visit you're sure to enjoy during your holiday. your stay in Venice !
History of Palazzo Grassi
The in 1732 that the wealthy Grassi family, originally from Bologna, purchased a complex of buildings in VeniceA mix of popular houses and more substantial buildings with the advantage of overlooking the Canal.
Although the exact date on which Palazzo Grassi was built on the foundations of these buildings is not known, documents suggest that it was begun in 1748 ending in 1772.
The architect in charge of the project is none other than the famous Giorgio Massari, artist of the Baroque movement, who at the same time renovated the impressive Ca'Rezzonico in the Dorsoduro district.
By the early 19th century, the ruined Grassi family had disappeared, and Palazzo Grassi passed through the hands of 4 different owners over the course of the century.
In 1908was purchased by the wealthy Swiss industrialist Giovanni Stuckywhose son made a number of modifications and gave it its museum function: this is one of the reasons why the palace is sometimes referred to as the Palazzo Grassi-Stucky.
After new sales and an acquisition by FIAT in 1983, which modernized the palace, the building was finally acquired by François Pinault in 2005. He commissioned Japanese architect Tadao Ando to restructure and decorate the building as the headquarters of his foundation, and as a museum to house works from his collection and numerous temporary exhibitions.
Facts and anecdotes
- Palazzo Grassi is considered one of the world's all the latest palaces built in Venice before the fall of the Republic in 1797!
- The Architect Tadao Ando was also responsible for restructuring the Punta della Dogana and the Paris Bourse du Commerce, which gave rise to the common style
- It is rumoured that the ghost of a young girlwho is said to have thrown herself from one of the palace balconies, haunts the premises...!
- Palazzo Grassi consists of 40 rooms 5,000 m of exhibition space2
What can you see at Palazzo Grassi?
Palazzo Grassi is now a museum of contemporary art which hosts exhibitions drawn from the collection of Français Pinault. It's well worth the detour to see these works of art and to discover the architecture of this superb palace.
The architecture of Palazzo Grassi
Notable features include:
- His two frontsone overlooking the water and the other on land, which currently serves as the entrance for visitors.
- A blend of neoclassical architectural styles romain and Venetian
- A large central courtyard with numerous columns
- Two storeys, with windows and a decorated balustrade overlooking the courtyard
- The majestic staircase which leads upstairs and features superb frescoes and a border relief
Works from the Pinault collection
Temporary exhibitions change very regularly, so please consult the programme (on the official website) to find out which one is running.
In 2022, the works of Marlène Dumasa South African artist. In the past, exhibitions such as Once Upon a Dream (Youssef Nabil), The illusion of light or even Picasso: joie de vivre were held at Palazzo Grassi.
Note that the Pinault collection contains works by artists from all over the world. Among them are Piero Manzoni, Donald Judd, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Mario Merz, Nancy Spero and Takashi Murakami.
Punta della Dogana, as a complement to your visit
In addition to Palazzo Grassi, works from the Pinault collection are also on show at the Punta della Doganain the Dorsoduro district in the south of Rome. Piazza San Marco.
Other temporary exhibitions are held in these former Venetian customs buildings, which are easy to reach. by Vaporetto : the boats is the nearest Salute.
Good to know punta della dogana is currently undergoing renovation and will not reopen until April 2023.
How do I get to Palazzo Grassi in Venice?
Palazzo Grassi is located at the following address: Campo San Samuele, 3231, 30124 Venice
All you need to do is borrow a Vaporetto and get off at Station San Samuele to get there.
Please note if you're planning to take the vaporetto in Venice, there are a Vaporetto Pass which allows you to take them unlimited and save money!
Palazzo Grassi: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's everything you need to know about visiting Palazzo Grassi in Venice.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket: 15 euros
- Reduced ticket (students under 25/over 65): 12 euros
- Free for children under 19
- Free on Wednesdays for Venetians and students of Venetian universities
The ticket gives access to 2 to museums Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana! Tickets are available on site or via the official website.
Opening hours
Palazzo Grassi is open every dayfrom 10am to 7pm, except December 25th.
Practical information
Without being a must-see in Venicea visit to Palazzo Grassi can be a real treat. a very good complement for those who have time and love art.
If you decide to visit several of the city's museums, you should know that there are a Museum Venice Pass very practical.
What to see and do in the area?
In this district, activities and places of interest there's no shortage of them. Here are a few suggestions for walking tours, in less than 10 minutes, in the :
- Visit Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and its atypical spiral staircase
- The theater of La Fenice in Veniceone of the most beautiful in Italy
- Santo Stefano Square (Campo Santo Stefano). For its church, which can be visited free of charge. And for the calm that reigns in this place, a little off the beaten tourist track!
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