What is there
to see?

Standing proudly on the Grand Canal, about a fifteen-minute walk from St Mark’s Square, Palazzo Grassi might not seem particularly striking from the outside — but step inside, and you’ll be amazed. The architecture and interior design immediately impress: colourful marble adorns the floors and walls, while the sweeping staircases and lofty ceilings, bathed in natural light, create a refined and imposing atmosphere.

During our visit in the summer of 2023, a fabric installation hung dramatically from the ceiling of the central courtyard — visible from every floor. This was “Chronorama Redux”, a collaborative work by artists Tarrah Krajnak, Eric N. Mack, Giulia Andreani, and Daniel Spivakov. The pieces formed part of the wider CHRONORAMA exhibition, interspersed throughout the galleries as visual “intermezzi” in the show’s chronological rhythm (on view until January 2024).

The exhibition featured striking portrait photographs of some of the most influential figures of the 20th century, alongside images from the worlds of fashion, journalism, architecture, still life, and documentary photography. This broad spectrum offered visitors the chance to explore the many dimensions of photographic art — revealing, too, how taste, style, and ideas of beauty evolved over the decades. There was truly a great deal to see, and the thoughtful presentation made it easy to linger and absorb the works at a relaxed pace.

Yet, while the photographs command attention, don’t forget to look up! The ceilings — richly decorated with intricate patterns, gilded details, and paintings — are breathtaking. To be honest, Palazzo Grassi is worth visiting not only for its exhibitions, but also for the sheer beauty of the building itself.

And one final tip: between the first and second floors, there’s a lovely little bistro called Mezzanine. We highly recommend stopping there for a coffee or a glass of wine. The atmosphere is calm and elegant, and the view over the Grand Canal is simply stunning.