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Peggy Guggenheim Collection Venice – Modern Art on the Grand Canal

Palace Venier dei Leoni - Dorsoduro

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the most important museums in Italy devoted to European and American modern art of the first half of the 20th century. It is housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Peggy Guggenheim’s former home, overlooking the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro district of Venice.

More than a museum, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the reflection of an extraordinary life. Peggy Guggenheim was not only a passionate art collector, but also a key figure in the international avant-garde scene. Through her bold choices and personal relationships with some of the greatest artists of her time, she played a crucial role in shaping the history of modern art.

Peggy arrived in Venice in 1948, where she presented her collection at the Venice Biennale before permanently settling in the city. She chose Palazzo Venier dei Leoni as her residence and, in 1951, opened it to the public, allowing visitors to discover her collection in an intimate and informal setting. Peggy lived here surrounded by the artworks she loved, her beloved dogs, and an eclectic circle of artists, writers, and intellectuals.

Peggy Guggenheim: life, passion and an extraordinary legacy

Peggy Guggenheim was born in New York in 1898 into a wealthy family, but her life took a very different direction from that of traditional collectors. She actively supported emerging artists, often before they achieved international recognition, and helped many of them financially and professionally.

Among her close friends were figures such as Jackson Pollock, whom she helped launch on the international scene, as well as Max Ernst, Alexander Calder, and many others. Her collection reflects her fearless approach to art, spanning Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and Metaphysical painting.

Today, Peggy Guggenheim rests in the garden of the museum, alongside her beloved dogs—an intimate and touching detail that makes this place even more personal and unique.

The Collection: masterpieces of 20th-century art

The permanent collection includes works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century, including Picasso, Braque, Duchamp, Kandinsky, Mondrian, Miró, Klee, Ernst, Magritte, Dalí, Pollock, Calder and Giacometti.

In addition to Peggy’s personal collection, the museum also displays selected works from the Gianni Mattioli Collection and the Nasher Sculpture Garden, offering a varied and comprehensive overview of modern artistic movements.

The sculpture garden, overlooking the Grand Canal, is one of the most charming spaces of the museum, ideal for a pause between galleries or simply to enjoy a different perspective on Venice.

Exhibitions at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Ongoing Exhibition

Manu-Facture: The Ceramics of Lucio Fontana
11 October 2025 – 2 March 2026

This exhibition explores Lucio Fontana’s experimental approach to ceramics, revealing a lesser-known but fundamental aspect of his artistic research.

Upcoming Exhibition

Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector
25 April – 19 October 2026

The exhibition traces Peggy Guggenheim’s formative years in London, highlighting the experiences, encounters, and artistic discoveries that shaped her vision as one of the most influential collectors of the 20th century.

Opening hours, tickets and practical information

Opening hours: open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Closed: Tuesdays, December 24 and 25

Admission tickets:

Full ticket: € 16.00
Reduced ticket (over 70): € 14.00
Students up to 26 and boys from 10 to 18 years: € 9.00
<10 years: Free

What to see near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The museum is located in Dorsoduro, one of Venice’s most fascinating districts, rich in art and culture. Nearby you can visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Punta della Dogana and the remarkable Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

A pleasant walk along the Zattere offers beautiful views of the Giudecca Canal, while a visit to the historic Squero di San Trovaso provides insight into the traditional craftsmanship of gondola construction.

The area is also ideal for discovering traditional Venetian osterie and bacari, perfect for a break with wine and cicchetti after your museum visit.

What to explore