Ca’ d’Oro Gallery Venice | The Ca’ d’Oro is one of the most impressive patrician palaces in Venice. As one of the successful examples of the Venetian Gothic of the early 15th century, the palace is one of the outstanding sights of the Italian lagoon city. In addition to an interesting history, the architectural peculiarities of the Ca’ d’Oro impress visitors from all over the world. – Purchase tickets here.
Since 1972, the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro, the unique art collection, has been presented in the historic rooms of the palace. The mixture of Venetian domestic culture and Venetian art, which a visit to the palace today offers, is unique and provides an impressive view of the history of Venice.
Where is the Ca’ d’Oro located?
The palace is located on the Grand Canal, about 600 meters from the world-famous Rialto Bridge in Fondamenta Trapolin, 3932, 30121 Venezia VE.
Not far from there is also the center of the authentic Cannaregio district, which is also worth a visit.
History of the creation of an architectural masterpiece
The Casa Zeno once stood on the site of the Casa d’Oro patrician palace on the Grand Canal, which had to give way to the building project of Marino Contarini. He had today’s Ca’ d’Oro built between 1421 and 1442. The plans of the architect Bartolomeo Buon, who came from a well-known family of master builders and sculptors, were decisive for the construction. Matteo Raverti carried out the elaborate stonemasonry work.
Since part of the Romanesque predecessor building was reused, the strikingly asymmetrical façade structure was created. With the fall of the Republic of Venice, the heyday of the Ca’ d’Oro was over. Numerous changes of ownership left their traces and there was a threat of decay. Giorgio Franchetti had the building renovated at the end of the 19th century and also had the destroyed staircase and the Gothic balconies reconstructed.
Opening times of the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery
Here are the current admission times for visiting the exhibition:
| Ca' d'Oro | Opening times | Last admission |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9.00 a.m.to 2.00 p.m. | 1.30 p.m. |
| Tuesday to Sunday | 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. | 6.30 p.m. |
Access to the palace is therefore possible all year round with the exception of 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December, when the gallery remains closed.
The architectural features of the Ca’ d’Oro
The Ca’ d’Oro is often used as an example of the Venetian Gothic of the early 15th century. However, the early Renaissance in Venice also played a decisive role in the architecture of the building. The columns and arches of the palace belong to the so-called ‘flaming’ Gothic style.
On the upper floors, for example, they still present themselves with a sharp-edged, rather restless, and playful profile. On the ground floor, on the other hand, the arches are softer and already reflect the beginning Renaissance. Inside the Ca’ d’Oro, too, the different styles were skilfully combined.
Galleria Franchetti – Impressive Art Collection
At the end of the 19th century, the Galleria Franchetti in Ca’ d’Oro came into the possession of Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who had the architecturally valuable building renovated and used it as a gallery for his large collection of paintings. After his death, he bequeathed the palace and his extensive collection of paintings to the State. Since then, the Galleria Franchetti has been able to put on display not only the Baron’s impressive collection of paintings but also sculptures by renowned artists, carpets, furniture, and other Venetian works of art.
Today, the Galleria Franchetti is one of the most interesting museums for art lovers in Venice and throughout Italy. The combination of top-class works of art by the Venetian masters and Venetian architecture ensures that a visit to the Ca’ D’Oro Gallery is a unique experience and that visitors are fascinated by the diverse works of art of the Venetian masters.
Admission fees to visit the Ca’ d’Oro Palace
| Ca' d'Oro Galerie | Price* | Online-Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Galleria Giorgio Franchetti) | 18,85 € | Buy online ticket |
| Ca' Pesaro + Galleria Giorgio Franchetti | 31,35 € | Buy online ticket |
*Prices are subject to change – Always respect the current offer of the service provider.
The impressive highlights of the gallery
Those who stroll through the Ca’ d’Oro gallery are already impressed by the premises. Impressive mosaic floors and Venetian antiques as well as ceilings, some of which come from other palaces, decorate the rooms.
The art collection of the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery in Venice ranges from the Gothic to the Baroque. The collection contains works by the great masters. Among others, works by the painters Andrea Mantegna, Van Dyck, Francesco Guardi, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, and Jacopo da Pontormo can be admired.
Another highlight is the faded remains of the frescoes that once decorated the Fondaco dei Tedeschi and were created by the painters Giorgione and Tizian.
Among the special pieces on display at the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery are the sculptures of Tullio Lombardo, an Italian sculptor, and architect from the early Renaissance who came from a dynasty of sculptors founded in Venice and was trained by his father, who became famous for his work at the Doge’s Palace in Venice.
A visit to the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery – An unforgettable experience
A visit to the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery is fascinating because since the Ca’ d’Oro was saved from decay, it almost shines again in its former glory. It is a pity that the original equipment of the Ca’ d’Oro has not been preserved due to frequent changes in ownership. Nevertheless, the rooms have been restored with great attention to detail and offer an excellent setting for the large art collection that can now be seen in the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery.
It is particularly beautiful that many of the works of art that can be seen today in the palace were created at the same time or shortly after the construction of the Casa d’Oro. This fact ensures that the atmosphere in the rooms is particularly rich in history and that visitors can understand how the artists of this period lived and what inspired them.
Practical tips for visiting the Ca’ d’Oro
The usual bookshop offers a varied spectrum for everything that concerns the museum and other Venetian art. Of course, there are also the usual postcards, posters, and souvenirs.
The museum can also be visited by persons with reduced mobility. The floors are connected by lifts. Some steps are only available when entering the bookshop and on the way to the Canal Grande.
Bulky items, larger pieces of luggage, umbrellas, and other items must be left at the cloakroom for an extremely small fee.
Directions to visit the palace
In Venice, almost everything is within walking distance. Otherwise with the water buses of line 1 along the Canal Grande.
Whether coming from Santa Lucia or Lido train station, the stop is always the mooring with the same name Ca’ d’Oro. From there it is 1 minute to the gallery.
Is it worth visiting the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery in Venice?
Those who have the possibility to visit the Ca’ d’Oro gallery during a visit to the lagoon city should take this opportunity. Both the art collection and the patrician palace would be worth a visit on their own. But the combination of historical palace and gallery is unique and offers fascinating insights into the heyday of Venice.
Many of the works of art created during the city’s weddings are now exhibited in the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery, so it is worth planning a little more time for a visit and enjoying the unique impressions at leisure.
What famous sights are nearby?
As already mentioned it is not far from here to the most important sights in Venice, the famous Rialto Bridge. Distance approx. 600 meters or 5-10 minutes on foot. Those who have some time should, in any case, make a detour to the nearby center of Cannaregio, one of the most original quarters of Venice.
Also known as a film set for the television thrillers of Donna Leon and her Commissario Brunetti.
