The Correr Museum: A Journey Through the History and Art of Venice

In the heart of Venice, overlooking the majestic Piazza San Marco, lies one of the city’s most fascinating and historically rich museums — the Correr Museum. Part of the Venetian Civic Museums Network, it offers a unique cultural experience, revealing the many faces of Venice through its extraordinary collections.

The Procuratie Nuove: A Home for Venetian History

The museum’s exhibition unfolds within the historic Procuratie Nuove, the grand building lining the southern side of Piazza San Marco. Originally the residence of the Procurator of Saint Mark, the structure was designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi and Baldassarre Longhena between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. During the Napoleonic era, it was transformed into the Royal Palace, and it was at that time that some of the splendid Neoclassical halls — which now house part of the museum’s collection — were created.

The museum is arranged over two main floors, each with its own distinctive character and narrative.

First Floor: From Venetian Civilization to Art

The first floor is dedicated to the history and civilization of Venice. The lavishly decorated rooms offer an evocative journey through the life, politics, and culture of the Serenissima Republic.

• Historical Collections: Archaeological finds, ancient coins, military uniforms, and weapons recount the glorious past of the Venetian Republic.
• The Picture Gallery: A magnificent collection of paintings spanning from the 13th to the 17th century. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Venetian Renaissance, admiring masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini, Antonello da Messina, Cosmè Tura, and others. The vibrancy of color and light that defines Venetian art reaches its full expression here.
• Sissi’s Apartments: A particularly fascinating section is dedicated to the Royal Apartments once inhabited by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sissi. Preserved with their original furnishings and refined décor, these rooms offer an intimate glimpse into the life of the imperial court in Venice.

Second Floor: Canova’s Art and the Italian Risorgimento

Ascending to the second floor, visitors encounter more treasures of art and history.

• Neoclassical Sculpture: One of the highlights of the museum is the section devoted to Antonio Canova, the great Venetian sculptor. Among the works on display is the stunning plaster sculpture of Orpheus, showcasing the artist’s grace, technical mastery, and emotional depth.
• The Risorgimento Collection: The museum also features an extensive collection of documents, paintings, and memorabilia recounting the Italian Risorgimento, with particular attention to Venice’s role and the 1848–1849 uprising. It’s a moving journey through the struggles and triumphs that led to Italy’s unification.

Beyond these two main floors, the visit includes access to parts of the Procuratie Vecchie and the Marciana Library, creating a comprehensive itinerary filled with artistic and historical insight.

Visitor Information

• Address: Piazza San Marco, 52, Venice, Italy — entrance under the Ala Napoleonica, opposite St. Mark’s Basilica.
• Opening Hours:
  • April 1 – October 31: 10:00 – 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
  • November 1 – March 31: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
• Tickets:
  • The entrance ticket to the Correr Museum also includes access to the National Archaeological Museum and the Monumental Rooms of the Marciana Library.
  • Full price: €30.00
  • Reduced: €15.00 (ages 6–14, students 15–25, over 65, and other eligible categories)
  • Free admission for residents of the Municipality of Venice and children under 5.
  • Online booking is recommended to avoid queues.
• Contacts:
  • Website: correr.visitmuve.it
  • Phone: +39 041 2405211

  • Email: [email protected]

     

Cover photo credits: Didier Descouens, public domain