Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Museum · Castello ·

Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Museum · Castello ·

Renaissance paintings, antique instruments, Scarpa garden, contemporary exhibits

Information

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

@cntraveler

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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

Querini Stampalia/Courtesy Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Fondazione Querini Stampalia

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

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

Querini Stampalia/Courtesy Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Sebastian R.

Google

This is one of the best museums to visit in Venice, both for what is on display and what you can find in the museum shop. There is also a café that serves decent food to the hungry visitor and a garden where you can admire the discrete architecture of the Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, also responsible for the ground floor design. On the first floor there is the classical Venice permanent art and interior decoration from past centuries and on the top floor you will find temporary exhibitions; when we visited early October of 2025 featuring interesting photographers. You can easily spend half a day here...

Michael O.

Google

Modern art is modern art- if you like it you’ll love the top from exhibition space and ground floor, especially famous for architects, though nonetheless somewhat bland. However the state rooms on the 2nd floor are very nice, and give a good flavour of a Venetian family home over 200 years ago.

Ozge U.

Google

We stopped by hoping to see Carlo Scarpa’s intervention inside the building, but were told the museum section was open while the Scarpa area was closed — without any clear explanation. We lingered outside for a while, studying the entrance and the few details visible from the street. Even that glimpse was enough to sense Scarpa’s precision in material and proportion. Still, it was disappointing not to access the interior. For architecture lovers, it’s worth checking first whether the Scarpa section is open before visiting.

Nils P.

Google

Wonderful small museum with beautiful art collection. The museum's first floor, including garden and staircase, is one of the masterworks of Venice-born Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978). The building was later renovated by Mario Botta (born 1943). I enjoyed the exhibition of Korean modernist Yoo Youngkuk (1916-2002), which fit extremely well into the Scarpa spaces. I also loved the new exhibition on John Baldessari (1931-2020), accompanied by a great video. And beautiful permanent collection including a masterwork by Giovanni Bellini (Presentation at the Temple). Nice café with outdoor seating in the garden designed by Scarpa. Great giftshop with lots of books on Carlo Scarpa. A "must see" for all fans of Carlo Scarpa.

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

Pong L.

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.

Giulia B.

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 C.

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!