Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Museum · Castello

Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Museum · Castello

Campo Santa Maria Formosa, 5252, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Highlights

Renaissance paintings, antique instruments, Scarpa garden, library

Campo Santa Maria Formosa, 5252, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Get directions

querinistampalia.org

@fondazionequerinistampalia

@cntraveler

15 Best Things to Do in Venice

"Part 19th-century house museum, part contemporary exhibition space, part architecture nerd's dream garden, Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a microcosm of everything that's fascinating about Venice. The collection spans centuries and defies categorization: Renaissance paintings by the likes of Bellini and Tiepolo are displayed next to antique instruments, gilded French porcelain is laid out carefully on lace-trimmed tablecloths, and perfectly fluffed pillows sit on gleaming Louis XVI chairs. The garden, designed by the architect Carlo Scarpa in the 1960s, is a maze of geometric fountains and a serene lawn." - Andrea Whittle

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-venice

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@cntraveler

Fondazione Querini Stampalia – Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Part 19th-century house museum, part contemporary exhibition space, part architecture nerd's dream garden, Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a microcosm of everything fascinating about Venice. The permanent collection: What are we talking about here? The collection spans centuries and defies categorization: Renaissance paintings by the likes of Bellini and Tiepolo are displayed next to antique instruments, gilded French porcelain is laid out carefully on lace-trimmed tablecloths, and perfectly fluffed pillows sit on gleaming Louis XVI chairs. The garden, designed by the architect Carlo Scarpa in the 1960s, is a maze of geometric fountains and a serene lawn. The elegant library, which is open to the public (Tuesday to Saturdays), is a bit of a local secret, with quiet workspaces and an impressive artistic display of its own. What about the exhibits? What tends to come through? The foundation presents a rotating program of contemporary art exhibitions, with past shows dedicated to Kiki Smith, Marisa Merz, Jimmie Durham, and others, as well as dance programming, poetry readings, and panel discussions on topics like architecture. What did you make of the crowd? You'll never find this place packed with tour groups. It's a quiet, meditative respite from the nearby San Marco madness. Lots of people come just to see the Scarpa garden; others come because they're interested in the Renaissance paintings or historic furnishings. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? The place isn't enormous, so getting around is relatively easy, although there are a few tight corners and it's on multiple levels. There are benches in the atrium. Any guided tours worth trying? You can book guided tours in advance; otherwise, pick up a printed information booklet (in every room). Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? The bookshop is sleek and contemporary; it also stocks decor designed by the architect. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? There's a small coffee bar overlooking the garden, but it's pretty basic: good for a quick caffeine jolt, otherwise skippable. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? If 19th-century furnishings aren't your jam, take a few minutes to check out the garden." - Andrea Whittle

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/venice/fondazione-querini-stampalia

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PRS

Google

Very nice little hidden museum with beautiful displays, architecture, garden and a lovely gift-shop. Access to the library itself is not allowed unless you have a card (which you can obtain for free if you really want to see it) 10/10 recommended

Giulia Brioschi

Google

The Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a masterful blend of history and modernity, thanks to the visionary design of Carlo Scarpa. His intervention—especially in the ground floor and garden—is a poetic dialogue between water, light, and material. Every detail, from the flowing channels to the delicate use of stone and glass, reflects Scarpa’s genius for harmonizing old and new. It’s a must-visit for architecture lovers and a serene, inspiring space in the heart of Venice.

Zeno Casti

Google

Fondazione Querini Stampalia in Venice is a hidden gem that beautifully blends history, art, and design. The small museum houses a gorgeous art collection, but the real highlight for me was the first floor, featuring Carlo Scarpa's stunning architectural work. The garden and staircase are pure magic! When I visited, there was a fascinating Korean modernist Yoo Youngkuk exhibition that felt perfectly at home in Scarpa's spaces. It's an ideal spot for art and architecture lovers or anyone looking for a serene cultural escape in Venice. Don’t miss it!

Pong Lenis

Google

Was a very nice experience, very historical and educational. It’s gives you a nice glimpse into the past and how the wealthy lived in Venice. The antiques are very well preserved and displayed, the rooms are filled with lots of artwork and very beautiful chandeliers. The rooms are very well decorated, I enjoyed the time I spent here and would recommend visiting this museum.

Nils Paellmann

Google

Wonderful small museum with beautiful art collection. At the same time, the museum's first floor, including garden and staircase, is one of the masterworks of Venice-born Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978). I also enjoyed the current exhibition of Korean modernist Yoo Youngkuk (1916-2002), which fits extremely well into the Scarpa spaces.

Terence Israel

Google

Great place with helpful staff. Jumped in as this was part of the Venice pass package. While less illustrious than the rest of the museums in terms of history and story line, it’s still a beautiful place to look at how the family used to live. You will spend ~45 mins here.

Sarah

Google

Carlo Scarpa's architecture is so beautiful and the garden is a little quiet paradise

Lizzie Smith

Google

Great place! Popped in as it was part of my Venice Unica and so pleased I did. It’s a ‘real house’. You get the sense of how people actually lived, cards, dice, beds, table set for dining. Loved the rooms. You have to pay €1 if you want to take photos. I was in a rush so grabbed the opportunity to put the camera away - it’s obviously had a big workout in Venice!