CA’ PESARO AND FORTUNY MUSEUM
CA’ PESARO AND FORTUNY MUSEUM
Ca’ Pesaro, a huge Palazzo on the Grand Canal was commissioned in the 17th century by prominent members of the noble Pesaro, who served the Venetian Republic as Doges, ambassadors, and admirals.
In 1908 this superb dwelling was converted into the “Paintings and International Gallery of Modern Art“, hosting an extensive collection of sculptures purchased by La Biennale di Venezia Visual Art Exhibition, from 1895 to the1960s.
Ca’ Pesaro’s unique collection provides a comprehensive overview of the 19th-early 20th century artistic development in Venice and its relationships with European avant-garde.
The collection displays works by Auguste Rodin,Franz Von Stuck, Marc Chagall, Gustav Klimt, Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, Medardo Rosso, Umberto Boccioni, Giorgio Morandi, Giorgio de Chirico and many other remarkable Italian artists.
Another Modern Age highlight is the Fortuny Museum in the St Mark’s district, which was for many years home to the famous Spanish painter, inventor, and stage designer Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo (Granada 1871 – Venice 1949).
He chose to live in a historic Gothic home that soon became his atelier of photography, painting, stage, and textile design, frequented by Eleonora Duse, Isadora Duncan, Sara Bernhardt, and other famous artists.
The Fortuny Museum displays original furnishings, precious tapestries, a wide range of objects and materials purchased in Western and Eastern countries during his trips.
The museum also hosts the silk fabrics designed and printed by Mariano himself.
Moreover, admire his famous lamps, such as Sherazade and Shields chandeliers, modeled on Moorish design.
Handmade old wooden cases preserve original silk dresses, created by the Spanish artist in the 1920s: they are made of light Chinese silk, with tiny pleats all over.
A Venetian company is still producing this precious clothing, according to the advice of former Fortuny artisans.
Enjoy a trip into the magic atmosphere of a private house which bears Modern Age memories.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fortuny Museum
- Ca’ Pesaro
MORE ABOUT
THIS TOUR
The charm of Ca’ Pesaro Museum lies in its spectacular setting!
The building was designed by Baldassarre Longhena, the greatest Baroque architect in Venice.
Due to the highly elaborate decoration with grotesque stone masks, bas-reliefs, and powerful rustications, the construction took over 60 years.
The ground floor is huge, decorated with marble Roman celebrities’ portraits set on entablatures, like a grand frieze.
As you walk up the stone staircase, Modern style statues welcome you to the first floor: contemporary artworks contrast with the large 18th-century frescoes on the ceiling, which convey dreams of eternal glory and universal values.
Continue reading
Mariano Fortuny bought Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei, a late 15th century patrician home, in 1898 and settled on the top floor under the building roof.
Throughout the years he patiently restored the entire structure. When the last descendant of the Pesaro passed away, the building became a condominium inhabited by several families who paid regular rent.
Mariano was quite determined to bring the Palazzo back to its original purpose. By the 1910s he was the only resident left in the Palazzo!
Two entire floors housed fantastic workshops and an atelier for his famous textiles and velvets. As a painter, Mariano decorated the whole house with large canvases depicting scenes from Wagner’s operas.
The legendary “Delphos” and “Knossos” silk dresses were designed in those rooms.
His wife, Henriette Nigrin, took care of the hardest part of the production; the coloring. After a long and successful career, Mariano died in Venice in 1949.
Seven year later, Henriette bequeathed the house, the rich library, and the art collections to the city of Venice. The Museum opened in 1975, maintaining its atmosphere of private home and artist atelier.
After a 15 year-long restoration period at the end of 2007, the Fortuny Museum has finally reopened and is now hosting acclaimed art and photography exhibitions.
DRESS CODE AND ADVICE
- No dress code required…please don’t bring backpacks !
- Ca’ Pesaro is closed on Mondays.
COST
- This tour lasts three hours and costs 280 euros up to six people (not per person), only for private parties. For larger parties send us an email!
- Admissions per person:
- Fortuny Museum 12 euros (full rate) – 10 euros (reduced rate)
- Ca’ Pesaro 10 euros (full rate) – 7.50 euros (reduced rate)
CONTACT US
WALKS INSIDE ITALY
ART CITY WALKS aff. Network Giv
San Polo 1541 30125 VENICE, ITALY
C.F. e P. Iva 04331170276
Prot. 2016/16140 del 25-2-2016
Polizza Europ Assistance 8957877
