Ca’ Rezzonico is Venice’s Museum of 18th-Century Venice, housed in a grand palazzo on the Grand Canal in Dorsoduro. Begun in the 17th century by Baldassare Longhena for the Bon family, the building was completed in the 1750s by Giorgio Massari for the Rezzonico family. Its lavish interiors evoke a city whose political power was waning but whose appetite for art and spectacle remained undiminished.
The palace is as compelling as its collection. A monumental staircase leads to a ballroom with illusionistic ceiling paintings, while silk-hung salons display carved furniture and lacquerwork. Look for Giambattista Tiepolo’s ceiling painting The Allegory of Merit and Pietro Longhi’s intimate scenes of Venetian social life. Paintings by Francesco Guardi and Canaletto, Guardi frescoes and a reconstructed 18th-century pharmacy add to the picture of the city beyond its familiar postcard views.
Allow around two hours to explore, including the upper floors. The Ca’ Rezzonico vaporetto stop on Line 1 is nearby, or you can walk from the Accademia Bridge through Dorsoduro. Check current opening days and last-entry times before setting out; visitors with reduced mobility should also confirm access arrangements in advance. Afterwards, Campo San Barnaba is a pleasant place to pause for coffee or a glass of wine.