Palazzo Grassi is a contemporary art museum on Venice's Grand Canal, housing rotating exhibitions from the Pinault Collection in a Tadao Ando-renovated 18th-century palazzo. One half of the Pinault Collection's Venice operation (alongside its sister venue Punta della Dogana), the neoclassical palazzo was built by Giorgio Massari in the 1740s for the Grassi family and acquired by French collector Francois Pinault in 2005. Japanese architect Tadao Ando oversaw the interior renovation, stripping the spaces back to their structural essentials while preserving the grand staircase and key architectural features. The result is one of the most compelling exhibition venues in Europe: austere concrete and clean sight lines inside a palatial shell. The collection draws from Pinault's holdings of over 10,000 works of contemporary art from the 1960s to today, rotating through major solo and thematic exhibitions that consistently draw international attention. Past shows have featured artists like Damien Hirst, Martial Raysse, and Luc Tuymans. The adjacent Teatrino, also designed by Ando, hosts film screenings, lectures, and literary events. Palazzo Grassi is open daily except Tuesdays from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm. One admission ticket covers both Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana: 20 EUR full price, 15 EUR reduced, and 7 EUR for visitors aged 20 to 26. Under 20s enter free.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 QuestionsWhat is Palazzo Grassi?
Palazzo Grassi is a contemporary art museum on Venice's Grand Canal, home to rotating exhibitions from the Pinault Collection (one of the world's largest private contemporary art collections, with over 10,000 works). The 18th-century palazzo was renovated by Japanese architect Tadao Ando and opened as a museum in 2006.
Is there a combined ticket for Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana?
Yes. One admission ticket covers both Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana and costs 20 EUR at full price. The reduced price of 15 EUR applies to residents of the metropolitan city of Venice, teachers, groups of 15 or more, and visitors over 65. Visitors aged 20 to 26 pay 7 EUR, and under 20s enter free.
Who designed the Palazzo Grassi renovation?
Japanese architect Tadao Ando carried out the interior renovation for Francois Pinault, completed in 2006. Ando's signature minimalist concrete interventions create stark, flexible gallery spaces within the 18th-century palazzo shell. He also designed the adjacent Teatrino performance space and later renovated Punta della Dogana.
What exhibitions are at Palazzo Grassi?
Exhibitions change regularly, typically featuring major solo shows or thematic exhibitions drawn from the Pinault Collection's holdings of post-1960s contemporary art. Check the official website (palazzograssi.it) for current and upcoming shows. Each exhibition usually runs for several months.
Is Palazzo Grassi worth visiting?
Yes, if you appreciate contemporary art. The combination of Tadao Ando's minimalist concrete interiors within a grand 18th-century palazzo creates one of Europe's most compelling gallery environments. A single 20 EUR ticket also covers Punta della Dogana, so you can see two world-class exhibition venues in one day.
