The poet Robert Browning lived and died in the palazzo, as indicated by a commemorative plaque on the exterior.
The palace remained unfinished for decades after the death of its original architect, Baldassare Longhena, until Giorgio Massari took over the project.
It is one of the few Venetian palaces that allows visitors to see the original structural layout of a ballroom (portego) typical of the 18th century.
The museum contains a rare collection of 18th-century Venetian pharmacy equipment and antique tools.
The facade's design was intended to demonstrate the wealth and status of the Rezzonico family, who gained entry into the Venetian nobility by paying a massive fee to the state.
It houses a renowned collection of marionettes and puppets dating back to the late 1700s.
Ca' Rezzonico is a dedicated museum of 18th-century Venetian art located in the Dorsoduro district. The palazzo was designed by Baldassare Longhena and completed by Giorgio Massari, showcasing a prominent Baroque facade overlooking the Grand Canal. It houses a vast collection of paintings, furniture, and sculptures, including works by Canaletto, Tiepolo, and Pietro Longhi. The interior preserves the authentic aristocratic lifestyle of the Venetian nobility during the final century of the Republic. Visitors walk through original frescoes and period rooms containing authentic furniture pieces. The ballroom is noted for its elaborate ceiling paintings by Giambattista Crosato. The museum also hosts the Museo del Settecento Veneziano, which features an extensive collection of ceramic and porcelain artifacts. The building was purchased by the city of Venice in 1935 to serve as a public museum.
The view from the main ballroom windows looking out over the Grand Canal.
Visit the top floor to see the smaller, more intimate collection of household items and the pharmacy display.
Use the internal elevator if you have mobility issues, as the staircase is steep and original to the 18th century.
Check the museum's website for temporary loan exhibitions that often supplement the permanent collection.
Do not attempt to visit on a Tuesday, as the museum is traditionally closed for maintenance.
Closed on Tuesdays.
No flash photography is permitted inside the galleries; maintain a quiet voice to respect the preservation of the antique furnishings.
