Correr Museum

A bit of history of the Correr Museum

The Correr Museum is located in St. Mark Square since 1922 and occupies the spaces of the Napoleonic Wing and part of the New Attorney offices that were designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi a building that frames three quarters of the square. The design and realization of the Napoleonic wing belong to the time in which Venice was part of the kingdom of Italy when Napoleon was its sovereign between 1806 and 1814. This wing was built where before was the church of San Geminiano in front of the luxurious Byzantine basilica of San Marco.

The Napoleonic Wing was originally designed as the residence of the new sovereign and its construction was completed in the 19th century, when Venice was under Austrian rule. It was the official residence of the court of the Habsburgs and became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy with its double monumental façade, atmospheric portico, wide staircase and its luxurious ballroom.

One of the most important aspects of the Napoleonic Wing is its deliberate opposition to the old Doge’s Palace that was the residence of kings and emperors. This building expresses the desire to open a new chapter in the history of Venice.

What is the Correr Museum nowadays?

The Correr Museum offers a real opportunity to know the Art and History of Venice. In the Napoleonic wing that was during the 19th century house of kings and emperors with their impressive neoclassical rooms, we find an important collection of works of one of the greatest sculptors of that time, Antonio Canova (1757-1822). In this museum we can also visit the New Magistrates, "Procuratie Nuove", which were designed between 1552-1616 by the architect Vincenzo Scamozzi and where once the most important civic authorities of the Republic of Venice were housed.

In these spacious rooms, currently there are collections that document various aspects of the city's history, such as public institutions, daily life, naval achievements and local festivals. On the second floor is the exhibition of the Art Collection covering the period from the beginning of Venetian painting to the 16th century; also here we can find other incomparable masterpieces.

Curiosities of the Correr Museum

Did you know that with the entrance to the Correr Museum you also have access to the Archeological Museum and the Marciana National Library? These three museums face St. Mark Square and are connected to each other.

Did you know that the proud naval history of the City of Venice is presented in the rooms of the Correr Museum through the highly descriptive paintings and many maritime objects that include cannons from boats and some navigation lights from the iron masts?

Why visit the Correr Museum?

The Correr Museum is one of the most important museums in the city of Venice. In its interior we can find works of great historical and artistic value in areas such as painting, sculpture, furniture, naval instruments and much more

Through its paintings, sculptures and other objects, this museum tells the history of Venice from its foundation to its union with Italy in the 19th century. This is one of the main museums in Venice; here you will find objects that reflect each of the aspects that have marked the life and history of the current Venice.

How to visit the Correr Museum?

The Correr Museum is one of the museums that can be found in the St. Mark's Square and to access it is possible to buy the ticket in advance. The entrance is included in the Venice Museum Pass, which allows visits to 10 museums, including the Doge’s Palace and the Murano Glass Museum, or the entrance to the St. Mark's Square Museums, which also allows access to the Doge’s Palace, the Archaeological Museum and the Marciana Library.

Other attractions in the area

The Correr Museum is located in St. Mark Square, which construction began in the 9th century but took its current size and shape only in 1177, being paved 100 years later. This beautiful square is the lowest place in Venice and when the tide rises is the first place to flood. Depending on the time of year and with a little luck you will see this square full of water.

The Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge's Palace, the small and large cafes and restaurants and the elegant shops that are in this square will be part of an unforgettable experience. Saint Mark’s Basilica is the most important religious temple in the city and has always been the center of public and religious life. The construction of the basilica began in 828 with the aim of housing the body of San Marco (Saint Mark) brought from Alexandria, however, the current work belongs to the eleventh century.

Originally the Basilica of St. Mark was to become an extension of the Doge's Palace undergoing different alterations and modifications with the pass of time. The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), which is also located in St. Mark Square (Piazza San Marco), combines Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.

You can´t miss this and more in just one square!

You may be interested in:

Borghese Gallery (Rome), Il Cenacolo (Milan) or Uffizi Gallery (Florence).