Correr Museum (Museo Correr)

The Basics

Set in the 16th-century Procuratie Nuove and 19th-century Napoleonic Wing on St. Mark’s Square, the Correr Museum is home to an extensive collection of Venice artifacts. Sculptures by Antonio Canova and sumptuous Imperial Rooms used by the Hapsburgs during their residency in Venice share space with relics of the Venetian republic, including model ships, maps, and weaponry.

Due to the size and scope of its collections, the Correr Museum is best visited with a guide who can explain the museum’s architecture and art. You can join a private tour of the museum, or take a more general tour that includes skip-the-line entrance to St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and all three St. Mark’s Square museums (Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Marciana National Library).

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tickets to Correr Museum allow entrance to Doge’s Palace, the National Archaeological Museum, and Marciana National Library.

• The museum entrance is inside the building and up a staircase. Wheelchair users can access it via elevator but should contact the museum in advance to arrange assistance.

• Large bags and backpacks must be left at the free coat check at the entrance.

• Restrooms, a cafe, and a gift shop are located inside the museum.

How to Get There

The main entrance to the Correr Museum is via the monumental staircase in the Napoleonic Wing on St. Mark’s Square. Vaporetto (water bus) lines 1 and 2 stop nearby.

When to Get There

Expect crowds in Venice during summer, with spring or fall seeing fewer visitors. The museum can be a welcome respite from the crush in St. Mark’s Square and is open daily with no midday closing.

The Drawing Room of Europe

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the geographic and cultural heart of Venice. It’s home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace at one end and the bell tower in the center. The colonnaded arcade topped by the Procuratie palaces and Napoleonic Wing lines three sides. The square is one of the most popular spots in the city to relax at an outdoor table with a drink and soak in the Venetian atmosphere.

Ways to explore

The Correr Museum occupies a sizable and impressive space across what was the 16th-century Procuratie Nuove and the 16th-century Napoleonic Wing in St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). Its standard admission fee also covers entry to the Doge’s Palace, which you can visit on the same day or within the following three consecutive days.

While you can enter independently and read the information in different languages—including English—this is a destination where you benefit from exploring with a guide. There are private tours that offer insight into the museum’s art and architecture, or more general Venice walking tours that also cover key sites, such as the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco).

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible via a small elevator at the main entrance, and there is an accessible restroom. Visitors with accessibility needs are advised to contact the museum before their visit (details are listed on its website) to ensure

Age limits

Children aged 5 and under enter for free; however, there is little to entertain younger kids.

What to pack

A small bag—anything deemed “bulky” by the security staff must be left in the coatroom. Anyone wearing a face covering will be asked to present ID on entry.

What to wear

Comfy shoes for museum browsing

Not allowed

Beachwear and skimpy clothing, luggage, large bags, photography, filming, cell phone use in the galleries

Amenities

Baby-changing facilities, baby feeding room, bookshop, café, cloakroom, restrooms, ticket office

Address

The Correr Museum entrance is in the grandiose Napoleonic Wing (Ala Napoleonica) in St. Mark’s Square. Look for the big red banners on the building’s facade that advertise the museum’s name.

Driving

Cars are not permitted in this area of central Venice. The nearest parking garages are at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, or further away at Mestre. You’ll need to book parking in advance.

Public transportation

Take the vaporetto to reach either the San Marco-San Zaccaria or the San Marco Vallaresso stops, both of which are near St. Mark’s Square. From here, just walk into the square, turn away from the basilica, and you’ll see the museum.

Best times to visit

Plan your trip for a weekday morning to avoid crowds and lines.

Best days to visit

If you enjoy nighttime museum visits, come on a Friday or Saturday evening between May and September. Otherwise, the museum is open daily throughout the year.

Best months to visit

While this museum is one of the quieter central Venice attractions, you’ll still have a calmer visit if you come in the (slightly) quieter off-peak months between September and May.