Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice

Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice (must see)

Regarded as one of the most comprehensive and brilliant modern-art collections in the Western world, this is also one of Venice's glossiest cultural destinations. Second only to the Gallery of the Academy in popularity, it serves as a prime venue for touring exhibitions. The Venier dei Leoni Palace, located on the Grand Canal, is the stunning setting for the museum, once the Venetian home of Peggy Guggenheim. Following in her family's tradition, Peggy was a lifelong patron of contemporary artists, impressing critics not only with the exceptional quality of their works but also with her innovative presentation methods.

As Peggy Guggenheim's private collection continued to grow with more and more masterpieces from the Cubist, Futurist, Metaphysical, Surrealist, and Abstract Expressionist movements, she decided to find a larger showcase and chose Venice as the ideal location. Her husband, Max Ernst, was one of her early favorite artists, and she also supported Jackson Pollock by providing him with a farmhouse to develop his artistic technique. The museum proudly displays works not only by Pollock and Ernst but also by Picasso, Duchamp, Chagall, Mondrian, Brancusi, and Dalí. Additionally, modern sculpture pieces by Giacometti and Paolozzi are placed in the garden, where Peggy's ashes are laid to rest.

Since her passing in 1979, the collection has been managed by the same foundation operating New York's Guggenheim Museum. Visitors are welcome to wander freely and explore the collection in an informal and relaxed manner. Alternatively, they can opt for a 90-minute private tour to gain insider insights into the art and Peggy's history. The regular multilingual crowd of well-versed individuals bubbling around the property with free information are quite fascinating in their own right.

Why You Should Visit:
To admire a treasure trove of works up close and personal – all in one fabulous mansion on the toniest stretch of the Grand Canal.

Tip:
Within a new wing of the museum, you'll find a shop and a café, providing a perfect space to take a break, reflect on what you've seen and heard, and recharge for further exploration.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Venice. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Peggy Guggenheim Collection on Map

Sight Name: Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Sight Location: Venice, Italy (See walking tours in Venice)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Venice, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Venice

Create Your Own Walk in Venice

Creating your own self-guided walk in Venice is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Venice's Hidden Art Treasures

Venice's Hidden Art Treasures

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Those...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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One of the six districts of Venice, Dorsoduro’s name translates as “hard bridge” due to the area's relatively high terrain. Home to some of the city’s highest spots, it also comprises some of Venice’s most picturesque canals, historic locations and cultural venues, including the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute; the Gallerie dell’ Academia & the Ca’ Rezzonico – both...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


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