National Archaeological Museum of Venice

The National Archaeological Museum of Venice showcases Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Assyrian-Babylonian artifacts, reflecting Venice’s rich history.

Planning your visit

Venice's archaeological museum occupies rooms off the Piazza San Marco, reached through the Correr Museum, and its collection came from the great Venetian families — Domenico Grimani and his heirs donated their classical sculpture to the Republic in the sixteenth century, creating one of the first public collections of antiquities in Europe.

The Grimani marbles are the substance: Greek and Roman sculpture including Hellenistic works of real quality, portrait busts, reliefs and the Grimani altar. Egyptian and Assyrian-Babylonian material was added later.

These sculptures mattered historically. Venetian and visiting artists studied them, and their influence runs through Renaissance painting and sculpture — this was where northern Italy encountered classical antiquity directly.

The museum is included in the combined St Mark's Square ticket with the Doge's Palace and Correr, and is consequently one of the least visited spaces in the most visited square in Europe.

Bookable options include scavenger hunt formats aimed at families. Current availability is listed below.