Venice Accademia Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia)
Campo della Carita 1050, Venice, Veneto, 30123
Housing what many consider the finest art collection in Venice, the Accademia Gallery (Gallerie dell’Accademia) showcases Venetian artworks dating from the 14th century to the 18th century. Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man is the collection’s most famous—not to mention fragile—work. This popular institution showcases works from many Venetian painters that best capture the spirit of the Floating City, and is a must for art lovers.
The Basics
Venice’s Accademia Gallery gathers sumptuous masterpieces by Venetian artists like Titian, Giambattista Tiepolo, Canaletto, Mantegna, Hieronymus Bosch, Giovanni Bellini, and Paolo Veronese. Housed in the Scuola della Carita, part of the former Santa Maria della Carità convent complex, the museum first opened in the early 19th century. Today it is home to both a permanent collection and rotating temporary exhibitions. To fully understand the scope and importance of the artwork on display, by far the best way to visit is with a guided tour that includes skip-the-line access to the popular museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Accademia Gallery is a must-see for art enthusiasts.
Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man is on display only periodically due to its fragile nature.
The Accademia Gallery is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Venice's Accademia Gallery is located on Campo della Carità in the Dorsoduro district right on the Grand Canal. Take vaporetto line 1 or 2 to the Accademia stop from either St. Mark’s Square or the train station.
When to Get There
Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and the best time to visit its sights is October to March, when the city is less crowded. That said, the Accademia Gallery is the perfect respite from the muggy heat in summer, cold lagoon winds in winter, and sudden rainstorms in spring and fall. The museum is closed on Monday afternoons, May 1, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Venice’s Scuole Grandi
The Scuola della Carità was the oldest Scuola Grande in Venice, dating from the 13th century. The city originally had six of these important charitable and religious confraternities, which were Napoleon disbanded during his 18th-century occupation.
Ways to explore
Visiting the Accademia Gallery within the Scuola della Carità is a key stop on many cultural tours of the city. The gallery hosts both a permanent collection and rotating temporary exhibitions, meaning there’s always something new to see. Prebooking tickets helps you save time on arrival, while visiting with a guided tour offers insight into the scope and importance of the artworks on display. Even some temporary exhibitions have their own guided tours, but even more special is an exclusive after-hours tour with the gallery all to yourself.
Accessibility
The Accademia Gallery is accessible to people who use wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone with reduced mobility. Elevators and lifting platforms provide access to most areas, although one area on the first floor is inaccessible. There are accessible restrooms.
Age limits
None; free admission is offered to all under 18s, although young children may become restless due to its limited entertainment options.
What to pack
Camera, €1 coin for lockers (coins are returned after use)
What to wear
The gallery requests that visitors wear “appropriate clothing”: avoid flip-flops, swimwear, and clothing featuring offensive slogans.
Not allowed
Umbrellas, luggage, and backpacks are not permitted inside the gallery and must be stored in the cloakroom.
Amenities
Cloakroom, coin-operated lockers, audio guides, restrooms, bookshop
Address
Venice’s Accademia Gallery is located on Campo della Carità in the Dorsoduro district, right on the Grand Canal. Walk from other central areas of the city or the vaporetto (water bus).
Driving
You can bring your car to Venice as far as the parking lots of Tronchetto and Santa Chiara. From there, you need to travel by vaporetto, water taxi, or gondola to avoid walking.
Public transportation
Take vaporetto line 1 or 2 from either St. Mark’s Square or Piazzale Roma to the Accademia stop along the Grand Canal.
Best times to visit
The least busy times to visit the gallery are either first thing in the morning or the early evening.
Best days to visit
Visit on weekdays when the crowds are a little lighter, but note that the gallery closes in the early afternoon on Mondays.
Best months to visit
Popular attractions like the Accademia are best visited when the city is less crowded, such as between October and March.
Special events
The Vitruvian Man is not always on display, so it’s a good idea to check the museum’s calendar to see whether it will be viewable during your visit.
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