Museum of Oriental Art in Venice: A Journey into Distant Cultures

Housed in the splendid Palazzo Loredan (formerly Ca’ Vendramin di Santa Fosca), the Museum of Oriental Art of Venice is a lesser-known but truly captivating gem within the city’s cultural landscape. This museum offers an extraordinary immersion into the cultures and artistic traditions of Asia, taking visitors on a journey across continents and civilizations—without ever leaving the magical atmosphere of Venice.

A Treasure of Emotion and Form

The museum’s collection originates from a donation made in 1919 by Prince Enrico di Borbone-Parma to the city of Venice. It features a vast array of artistic and everyday objects, mainly from Japan, but also from China and Southeast Asia.

Each room invites discovery:

• Japanese Art: the heart of the collection. Visitors can admire traditional weapons such as katanas and samurai armor, as well as ceramics, lacquerware, and woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e) depicting scenes of daily life, landscapes, and figures from mythology and theater. Special attention is given to Nō theater masks and to the refined art of lacquer decoration.
• China: this section showcases exquisite porcelain, ancient bronzes, and carved artworks, illustrating the sophistication and long-standing heritage of Chinese civilization.
• Southeast Asia: completing the journey, artifacts and artworks from other regions of Asia add cultural diversity and depth to the exhibition.

Although the collection is displayed within a historic Venetian palace, the layout is designed to highlight each object, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere. The visit offers not only aesthetic delight but also insight into the profound spiritual and cultural significance behind each piece.

A Unique Experience in the Heart of Venice

The museum’s setting within a canal-side Venetian palace gives it a unique charm. Located slightly off the main tourist routes of Piazza San Marco, it provides a quieter, more reflective experience—perfect for those seeking to explore Venice’s cultural side in peace, while still being immersed in artistic wonder.

Visitor Information

• Address: Palazzo Loredan (Ca’ Vendramin di Santa Fosca), Fondamenta e Corte de Ca’ Vendramin di Santa Fosca, Cannaregio 4063, Venice
• Opening Hours:
  • April 1 – October 31: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:00)
  • November 1 – March 31: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:00)
  • Closed on Mondays, December 25, January 1, and May 1.
• Tickets:
  • Museum of Oriental Art: Full €7.00 | Reduced €5.00
  • Combined tickets available with the Gallerie dell’Accademia (€25.00) or other Civic Museums of Venice.
• Official Website: www.visitmuve.it (see the section dedicated to the Museum of Oriental Art).

The Museum of Oriental Art in Venice is a must-visit for lovers of art, history, and world cultures—a place where the past comes alive, and where the elegance of Eastern artistry meets the timeless magic of Venice.

Cover photo credits: Museum of Oriental Art, Google Maps