To pencil a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the tips we like to share with those guests asking which are the top museums to visit in Venice. Why? Because not only it showcases a fine collection of Contemporary Art but it gives you access to Peggy’s former residence, an unique unfinished palace on the Grand Canal – Ca’ Venier dei Leoni.
We have put together few travel notes to help you plan your visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection like there was no tomorrow!
A one of a kind land-lady, in a one of a kind place
Peggy clicked with Venice in 1949 when she purchased this unfinished palace on the Grand Canal, which not only became her home but also the place where to treasure her collection. Why is this place so peculiar? Well, it’s unfinished! It was never completed and unlikely any other palaces on the Grand Canal it is composed by 1 floor only. While you visit the museum, keep always in mind that this was Peggy’s home and that you are standing right in her everyday space!
Her collection
Peggy’s art activity over the years has brought to us a collection gathering some of the best artists of the 20th century: from Cubism to Futurism, Metaphysical painting, European abstraction, Surrealism, and American Abstract Expressionism. You name it! While strolling in the different rooms, you will get to see paintings by Pollock, Picasso, Francis Bacon, Dalì, Mondrian, Chagal, Kandinsky sculptures by Calder, Brancusi, Marini and Giacometti.
Our picks for you
There is no point to visit a museum in a rush but we know that when traveling sometimes we have to beat the time and squeeze in as many experiences as possible. If you are rushing through the exhibition rooms make sure you don’t miss Pollock and his active painting, the mobile sculptures by Calder (look for Peggy’s private head bed and for the earrings Calder made for her), Fontana’s slashed and pierced paintings.
Peggy and her dogs resting forever in the Lagoon
Peggy rests along her beloved dogs in the Nasher Sculpture Garden. Before leaving pay her a visit and indulge in the peace of the garden which is scattered by sculptures and statues. Our favourite one? “Changing Place, Changing Time, Changing Thoughts, Changing Future” by Maurizio Nannucci.
Practical Info
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is in the “Sestriere” of Dorsoduro. It can be reached easily walking (through Campo Santa Margherita and the Accademia) or by public “vaporetto” no. 2. If you are a student (with ID) younger than 26 you can enjoy reduced tickets. More details on Peggy Collection official site.
We leave you with one of Peggy’s most popular quote, enjoy your visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection! “It is always assumed that Venice is the ideal place for a honeymoon. This is a grave error. To live in Venice or even to visit it means that you fall in love with the city itself. There is nothing left over in your heart for anyone else”.
