An itinerary to ignore the commonplace that sees Venice as a decaying and anti-modern city!
Go along the Grand Canal and stop at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to immerse yourself in one of the richest collection of modern and contemporary art. Palazzo Venier dei Leoni hosts the famous collection, which counts among its masterpieces works by Picasso, Klee, Magritte, Dali, Matisse, Pollock and Max Ernst. In addition to this, the museum owns a collection of Futurist works and presents temporary exhibitions and events. Do not expect to visit a big museum, but expect to find the best of the figurative arts.
Peggy lived in this house-museum until 1979 and this surely represents the key element of the charm of the place if we compare it to other museums in the world. The high density of masterpieces in such a small venue is what strikes you, but you will also be impressed by its welcoming friendliness. Enjoy the view on the Grand Canal, spend some time in the internal garden decorated with sculptures and have a coffee on the terrace in the museum Café.
When you leave the museum, you will find yourself in one of the most elegant and suggestive parts of Dorsoduro to discover walking through the narrow streets (calli).
Another important stop, that is not to be missed, is Palazzo Grassi, which hosts part of the modern art collection of Francois Pinault. On the second floor of the museum, the rooms restored by architect Tadao Ando host temporary exhibitions. You can then reach Punta della Dogana, wonderful triangular place that divides the Grand Canal and the Canal of Giudecca. Even for this building, Tadao Ando’s characteristic signature has been able to combine best elements from the past with stylistic tension towards the future. In this museum, you will find contemporary art exhibitions and highly acclaimed international artists.
An itinerary not to miss.
F.B.