Venice Music Museum (Museo della Musica)

The Basics

Visitors can learn more about Venice’s most famous composer, Antonio Vivaldi, and gain insight into the city's violin-making legacy, but the most compelling aspect of this free museum are the instruments themselves, dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The collection includes a wide variety of string instruments, including violins, cellos, and harps, with highlights including a 19th-century lyre and an exquisite mandolin inlaid with mother-of-pearl. True lovers of classical music can combine a tour of this small museum with an evening concert in the nearby Church of San Vidal by the Interpreti Veneziani ensemble, which performs works by famous Italian and German baroque composers.

Things to Know Before You Go

• This specialty museum is one of the best in the city of Venice and especially worth a stop for musicians and music lovers.

• The Music Museum is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing if visiting as part of a walking tour.

• Photography without flash is allowed inside the museum, though much of the collection is stored in glass cases so not easy to photograph.

How to Get There

The Music Museum (Museo della Musica) is located inside the Chiesa di San Maurizio (Church of San Maurizio) on Campo San Maurizio, a short walk from Piazza San Marco.

When to Get There

If visiting in the popular summer months, you can duck into the Music Museum to escape the crowds during the peak hours of midday and have a few minutes of quiet respite while enjoying the impressive collection.

Antonio Vivaldi

One of Italy's most famous musicians, Vivaldi was born in Venice in the 17th century and wrote a number of the most recognized pieces of classical music in the world, including The Four Seasons. His work greatly influenced later composers like Bach.