Venice, a city often regarded as a work of art in itself, is also home to some of the most important pre-19th century Italian masterpieces. If you are a lover of fine art a visit to Venice's most acclaimed museum and gallery, the Accademia (Gallerie Dell'Accademia) is an unmissable part of any visit to the city. The Accademia was founded in 1750 by the Venetian senate as the premier school of painting, sculpture and architecture in Venice. Today it is an outstanding and comprehensive showcase of the master painters of Venice – the largest such collection in the world. The museum is located in the Dorsoduro disctrict of Venice and the approach over the wooden Ponte Dell'Accademia provides great views of the city including the Grand Canal.
The Accademia comprises 24 rooms and is almost impossible to take in during a single visit. In addition, it is very popular and you may experience queues and delays so planning ahead is vital. A map and guide book are recommeded and will enable you to plan what you most want to see. The successive rooms of the museum provide a representative history of Venetian art between the 13th and 18th centuries. There are works by Titian, Tintoretto, Carpacio, Veronese and Giorgione (whose Tempest is one of the gallery's most famous highlights). The Accademia provides us with a window to life in Venice as it was lived through 5 centuries through the eyes of some of its greatest Italian painters and is a highlight of any visit to the city.
Accademia Museum address and hours
L'Accademia Venezia
Sestiere Dorsoduro, 1050
Galleria dell'Accademia
30123 Venice
Italy
Open Mon 8:15am-2pm; Tue-Sun 8:15am-7:15pm
Photo by Michelangelo_rd on flickr
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