From walls to workshops – get swept away by art in Venice.
Venice is a city awash with art. Located in the northeast of Italy, it has long been a haven for creatives, welcoming artists from Canaletto to Claude Monet, and writers from Lord Byron to Ernest Hemingway. Amidst its cobbled streets, tranquil canals and countless bridges – so many, so beautiful, they’ll make you sigh – you’ll find endless experiences. Choose from artistic bars, cafés and restaurants, alongside galleries, museums and workshops.
The city exudes an old-world, almost otherworldly charm, which merges seamlessly with modern life, drawing celebrities for the Venice Film Festival and high-profile weddings, from George Clooney to Jeff Bezos. The Venice Biennale, held every other year, welcomes artists from around the globe.
If you want to feel like an artist-in-residence, arrive on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Its Art Deco carriages add an extra touch of glamour to your visit. With so much on offer, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in decisions – so we’re here to help. Whether you want to channel your inner painter or admire the Old Masters, here’s FACT’s guide to art in Venice.
Breakfast at Caffè Florian
Caffè Florian prides itself on being Italy’s oldest café. Opened in 1730, it is located in St Mark’s Square and – come hell or Venice’s high waters – it has been in continuous operation ever since. Guests have included Casanova, Charles Dickens, Marcel Proust and more. It wasn’t until 1858 that it became an artistic site in its own right, when Giacomo Casa painted in the café, including The Hall of the Illustrious Men. Ten figures are depicted on the wall, from Marco Polo to Titian. Casanova’s Breakfast is served on a pretty stand and includes a hot drink, fresh juice, fruit, a croissant, cake, and small sandwiches.
GO: Visit https://caffeflorian.com for more information.
Visit Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venezia
Antonio Canova, Dino Martens and Carlo Scarpa all walked through the doors of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia. The site was originally an art academy where budding artists would study. In 1879, it transformed into the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venezia, and began hosting exhibitions. The venue showcases major artists up to the 19th century. Highlights range from Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child to Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. Da Vinci’s sketch is so fragile that it is only displayed for a short period every six years.
GO: Visit www.gallerieaccademia.it for more information.
Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Peggy Guggenheim was born in New York but made her home in Venice. The American art collector, a member of the Guggenheim family, lived in what is now the museum that bears her name. Located on the Grand Canal, it houses her personal collection, featuring works by Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst and Pablo Picasso. As Guggenheim once said, “I dedicated myself to my collection. A collection means hard work. It was what I wanted to do, and I made it my life’s work. I am not an art collector. I am a museum.”
GO: Visit www.guggenheim-venice.it for more information.
Lunch at Trattoria Da Romano
Trattoria Da Romano’s seafood restaurant first opened in 1900. It wasn’t until the 1940s that it became an artistic haven. Four generations of the Barbaro family later, it remains a sight to behold – thanks to its walls adorned with more than 400 works of art. Located in a former lace factory, the pieces were donated by artists, and every corner is covered. Artists include Beppe Ciardi, Lucio Fontana, Arturo Martini and Filippo De Pisis.
GO: Visit https://daromano.it for more information.
Join a glassmaking workshop on Murano Island
Murano has become a byword for exquisite glass. Art in Venice is more than just paintings – it’s craftsmanship, and on Murano Island, this tradition comes to life. The husband-and-wife team, Andrea Penzo and Cristina Fiore, welcome visitors to their studio, Penzo+Fiore. The pair have collaborated with the fashion brand Fendi and open their doors to tourists. Visitors can heat, cool and take home their own glass beads. Goggles at the ready – you’ll feel like you’re back at school as you sit by a Bunsen-like burner and create your own masterpiece.
GO: Visit www.avanihotels.com and www.penzofiore.it for more information.
Make a mask with an expert
Mask-making is an art form in Venice. The centuries-old tradition comes to life at the Venice Carnival each February, a festival that allows people the freedom to hide and dress up – and remain anonymous. Under the expert guidance of Augusto, we learnt about the history of Venetian masks. He shared stories from his work creating masks for film and television, from Eyes Wide Shut to Gossip Girl. We left with our own unique souvenir – and a reason to return to the city for the fun-filled festival.
GO: Visit www.avanihotels.com for more information.
Drink and dine at Harry’s Bar
Enter a discreet door on Calle Vallaresso and step into a world of history. Since opening in 1931, the bar and restaurant have welcomed artists, celebrities, royalty and, of course, tourists. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Katharine Hepburn and Orson Welles. The setting has long inspired creativity and is the birthplace of the Bellini – fittingly named after the artist Giovanni Bellini. Fun fact: the Carpaccio was also invented at Harry’s Bar, after Countess Amalia Nani Mocenigo was advised by her doctor to eat raw meat. As for the name, it pays homage to the artist Vittore Carpaccio.
GO: Visit www.cipriani.com for more information.
Sleep at Avani Rio Novo
Located on Calle Larga Ragusei, a short walk from Venice Santa Lucia station, Avani Rio Novo Venice is a minimalist marvel. Set beside the calm canals, it is surrounded by bridges dating back to the sixth century. The hotel features 144 rooms and suites with a contemporary, clean design. What the hotel lacks in facilities, it makes up for with its strong connections to the local community. Activities include runs with locals and art experiences. FACT tried and tested the glass-making and mask-making workshop. Paint the town.
GO: Visit www.avanihotels.com for more information.
