Ca’ d’Oro is a stunning late Gothic palace overlooking the Grand Canal. The large arches that form its regular geometry make the building instantly recognizable, and it has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Venice.
Inside, you’ll find the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery, a reference point for art lovers featuring works by Titian, Mantegna, and Giorgione. Here you’ll find all the information you need for an easy and complete guide to Ca’ d’Oro Palace in Venice.
Ca’ d’Oro Venice: what to see
Its history at a glance
Ca’ d’Oro is one of the best-known historic palaces in Venice’s Cannaregio district. It was built in the first half of the 15th century at the request of the wealthy merchant Marino Contarini — a name you may have already come across (take a look at the stunning spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini).
Over the centuries, the palace was divided among several heirs and, for this reason, it gradually fell into near ruin. In 1846, Ca’ d’Oro was purchased by the Russian prince Alexander Trubetskoy, who intended to donate it to the famous ballerina Maria Taglioni.
The restoration works he commissioned were carried out by the architect Meduna — who had previously worked on the restoration of La Fenice Theatre in Venice. The interventions were highly controversial, as they removed many of the building’s original features.
At the end of the 19th century, the palace was acquired by Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who decided to house his personal art collection here.
The Beauty of Ca’ d’Oro
Ca’ d’Oro owes its name to the rich gold finishes that once decorated the building. Red and blue enamels stood out against the gold, making the façade absolutely unique in the world. Unfortunately, those splendid decorations are no longer visible today, but the magnificent architecture remains, clad in polychrome marble that seems to lighten the entire structure.
The sense of horizontality is conveyed by the system of columns and windows. The top of the building is crowned by elegant pinnacles. While the right side of the façade appears more compact and solid, the left side features a beautiful light-and-shadow effect created by the arches of the loggias.
The Giorgio Franchetti Gallery
The name of this gallery comes directly from its founder, Baron Giorgio Franchetti who, after years of passionate art collecting, decided in 1916 to donate the Ca’ d’Oro building to the Italian State. In 1927, the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery was inaugurated and began collaborating with the Gallerie dell’Accademia to expand its art collection.
The Ground Floor
The restoration of the ground floor is also credited to Giorgio Franchetti, featuring a stunning floor mosaic inspired by early Christian basilicas. It is also worth admiring the wellhead located in the courtyard — the carved stone covering of the well, sculpted by Bartolomeo Bon in the 15th century.
The Collection
The Giorgio Franchetti Gallery is one of the main reference points where private art collections have converged, bringing together sculptures and artworks that were once at risk of being dispersed. The wellhead, which originally already belonged to Ca’ d’Oro, for example, had disappeared and was later repurchased at an antiques market.
The exhibition features numerous sculptures, frescoes, and Renaissance paintings, such as Venus by Titian and the beautiful Chapel with the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian by Mantegna, shown in the image below.
Another artwork we recommend taking a moment to admire is the Madonna of the Kiss by Jacopo Sansovino.
One of the artworks we paused on a little longer is the beautiful Madonna of the Kiss, a 15th-century sculpture created by Jacopo Sansovino, originally from the Church of the Zitelle on the Giudecca's Island.
Resting on the frame are two sensual and harmonious angelic marble figures that seem to guard the intimacy of the tender human gesture between mother and child.
Temporary Exhibitions at Ca’ d’Oro
In addition to its permanent collection, Ca’ d’Oro regularly hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to Venetian painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. These rotating displays allow visitors to discover artworks from different historical periods and artistic movements.
Exhibitions may include sculptures, marble reliefs, paintings, and terracotta works by Venetian and Italian masters, from the Renaissance to later eras. Since the exhibition program changes throughout the year, each visit can offer a different cultural experience.
To check current exhibitions and updated opening hours, it is always recommended to visit the museum’s official website before planning your visit.
Ca’ d’Oro Opening Hours and Tickets
To avoid booking fees and extra commissions, we recommend purchasing your ticket directly at the entrance of Ca’ d’Oro in Venice. Ticket prices are:
- Full price: €13.00
- Reduced price: €2.00 – for European Union citizens up to 25 years old
- Free admission: for European Union citizens up to 18 years old
Combined Ticket Ca’ d’Oro + Palazzo Grimani
- Full price: €17.00
How to Get There: Map
What to see nearby
Looking for other attractions to visit nearby? If you’re in the mood for a walk through a truly characteristic neighborhood, we recommend the Jewish Ghetto of Venice. Take an hour to wander around, admire the small artisan shops, and soak in a unique atmosphere far removed from the mass tourism you’ll typically find in crowded St. Mark’s Square.
Feeling like an aperitivo or a quick bite to eat? You’re in one of the best street food areas in Venice, where you’ll find many small traditional wine bars (called bacari in Venetian dialect) where you can taste a variety of local specialties.
→ Discover where to eat well and spend less in Venice ←
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