The museums of Venice: Gallerie dell'Accademia

One of my most favorite museums in Venice is the Gallerie dell'Accademia, which exhibits pre-19th-century artworks. Located near the Ponte dell'Accademia, the museum gallery was established in 1750. The masterpieces of Venetian painting in the collection are definitely not to be missed.

The best thing about the Gallerie dell'Accademia is that you can enjoy the art without the crowds. Unlike many prestigious museums such as the Vatican Museums, the Gallerie dell'Accademia is often quite quiet. Some of the masterpieces you can admire at the museum are Hieronymus Bosch's Crucified Martyr Triptych, Giovanni Bellini's San Giobbe Altarpiece, and Paolo Veronese's Feast in the House of Levy. My most favorites are the meticulous High Renaissance paintings by the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini (c.1430-1516). The above picture is the painting "Commemoration of Antonio Canova" (1824) by Giuseppe Borsato - the painting depicts one of the main halls of the museum in the 19th century. The below picture is "The Annunciation" (1500) by Giovanni Bellini.

Another great thing about the Gallerie dell'Accademia is that it has a room, which is room XX dedicated to paintings of Venice during its golden age as a maritime power. Examining the paintings closely, I felt like I was traveling back time to Renaissance Venice. It was a fantastic way to learn about the history of the Most Serene Republic of Venice (697–1797). The picture below is Giovanni Mansueti's Miracolosa guarigione della figlia di Benvegnudo da San Polo.

Note: At the moment, the rooms from VI to XII, and XV are closed to the public due to a major restoration project. The project lasts for 960 days. Some famous works are not on view, such as Paolo Veronese's Feast in the House of Levy.

Gallerie dell'Accademia

Rio Terà de la Carità, 1050, 30123 Venezia, Italie

Insider's tips

If you stay in Venice for a week or more, definitely buy a Venice Museum pass to visit the 11 Civic Museums of Venice. It costs 24 euros (18 euros for students under 26) and is valid for 6 months. Included in the pass are the best public museums in Venice such as the Doge's Palace and the Museo Correr. Unfortunately, the Gallerie dell'Accademia is not included in this pass. However, the museum offers free entries to the students of art, architecture, and cultural heritage, who study in Europe. Remember to bring your student cards!