Visit the Peggy Guggenheim collection is one of the tips I like to share with tourists who ask which are the best museums to visit in Venice.
Not only does it showcase a fine collection of contemporary art, it also gives you access to Peggy's former residence, a unique unfinished palazzo on the Grand Canal: the Ca' Venier dei Leoni.
Together, I'll take you on a tour of this unique place.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: article summary
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection: a unique venue
Peggy Guggenheim fell in love with Venice in 1949, when she bought this unfinished palace on the Grand Canal, which became both her home and the place to store her collection.
Although the site is magnificent, it was never completed. It's also unusual to see other palaces on the Grand Canal are composed of a single floor. As you visit the museum, always bear in mind that this was Peggy's home, and that you are standing in a place she occupied for many years.
The best works of art of the XXᵉ century
Peggy's artistic activity over the years has brought us a collection bringing together some of the finest artists of the XXᵉ century: from cubism to futurism, metaphysical painting, European abstraction, surrealism and American abstract expressionism.
Stroll through the various rooms and admire paintings by Pollock, Picasso, Francis Bacon, Dali, Mondrian and Chagal, sculptures by Kandinsky, Calder, Brancusi, Marini and Giacometti.
How do I visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection?
There's no point in rushing to a museum. However, we know that when we travel, we sometimes need to hurry and experience as much as possible. If you rush through the exhibition halls, make sure you don't miss Pollock and his active painting, Calder's mobile sculptures (look for Peggy's bed and you'll be able to contemplate the earrings Calder made for her) and Fontana's paintings.
Of course, there are other works of art on display here too, so don't miss out. In fact, you could miss out on some magnificent period art.
Discover Peggy Guggenheim's final resting place
Peggy rests with her beloved dogs in the Nasher Sculpture Garden. Before you leave, pay her a visit and enjoy the tranquility of the garden dotted with sculptures and statues. It's both magnificent and timeless. You can also pay your respects at Peggy Guggenheim's grave. Indeed, the artist loved this place so much that, on her death, she asked to have it restored. stay in this place forever.
Practical information
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is located in the Sestriere district of Dorsoduro. It's easily reached on foot (via Campo Santa Margherita and the Accademia) or by taking the "vaporetto"public no. 2.
The site remains open:
- Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entrance fees are as follows:
- 16 € for adults
- 9 € for students under 26
- for children under 10, free admission
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must-see when vacationing in Venice. This art-filled venue captures the sense of the city perfectly. Here, you can discover or rediscover numerous artists and enjoy works you'll never see elsewhere. What to do an artistic detour between two visits to the city's canals.
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Venice guide!
Leave a Reply