Accademia Gallery in Venice – history, photos, paintings, how to get there, opening hours, map
Venice is the most beautiful pearl of Italy. A city of unique architecture and rich cultural heritage. The cradle of lovers all over the world and a haven for talented creators. Its winding streets, separated by water channels, abound with one-of-a-kind architectural monuments, as well as a variety of workshops, libraries and museums. As for the latter, the so-called Academy Gallery stands out more than others – a real treasure trove of amazing works.
History of the Academy Gallery
At the equator of the eighteenth century, the Venetian authorities seriously thought about giving their native city a more significant status. While Florence and Rome were already considered the Italian talent forges, Venice was only just embarking on this difficult path. Local artist Giovanni Piazzetti expressed a desire to open an academy in the city on the water, where young creators could learn all the necessary skills. The Senate supported the noble initiative, and soon the Venetian Academy of Fine Arts was founded, where young masters could hone their skills in painting, architecture and sculpture. Toward the end of the 18th century, this school became the first among those that trained restorers.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, powerful France, led by Napoleon, occupied Italian lands, however, the invaders treated the cultural heritage of Italy very carefully. By decree of the French emperor, it was decided to move the Academy to another building, and she herself received the status of Royal. Since then, the institution has not moved. It was decided to move away from educational activities and transform the premises into an art museum. The debut collection turned out to be very modest: local patrons donated some paintings, which in total occupied several halls. Over time, the Gallery's fund has grown steadily. In particular, Napoleon himself was involved in an impressive replenishment: having ruined the glass workshops, he took some of the sculptures and paintings to France, and transferred the rest to the Venetian museum.
Description of the Academy Gallery
The Academy Gallery occupies the building of one of the former monasteries, which was built long before its foundation – at the beginning of the sixteenth century. From the outside, the building seems relatively small, and once inside, it is completely unbelievable that such a structure can accommodate such an impressive number of masterpieces of Italian art. In total, 24 halls are presented to the visitors, one of which – 23 is located in a completely different building and is intended for temporary exhibitions. Part of the collection is arranged in chronological order, part – according to the thematic principle, so in reality there is not much difference in what sequence to view the exhibits.
The modern museum takes care of its visitors. In addition to the opportunity to enjoy the masterpieces of the city on the water on your own, you can order a personal tour (though only in Italian, French or English), borrow sound equipment (headphones and a special player that will work when you approach a certain exhibit), visit a second-hand bookstore, and even leave luggage in storage. The latter is especially convenient if you have already checked out of the hotel, but have enough time before the flight.
art collection
The exposition halls of the Academy Gallery are an exclusive ticket to the Venetian past. The sculptures and paintings put on display by visitors came from the talented hands of Bellini, Titian, Canoletto, Giorgione and many friends. Even a person who is deeply distant from art, no, no, yes, he heard the names of these alien geniuses, and even a true connoisseur of the museum halls will be brought to indescribable delight. It will take at least 3-4 hours to examine carefully all 24 rooms.
Surprisingly, among the plots of the presented paintings, both religious and urban motifs are visible. One of the halls is completely given over to the oldest icons, which are somewhat different from the Orthodox ones we are used to. The Venetian iconography was significantly influenced by the Byzantine heritage, however, as well as Russian, but at the same time, Italian magicians created more elaborate, elegant and rich images.
The works of the great Giovania Bellini and his slightly less famous father and brother continue the religious theme. For connoisseurs of church motifs, it will be a real happiness to admire the images of the Madonna, and lovers of secular subjects will appreciate the historical plot “Procession in St. Mark's Square”. The last picture especially attracts guests. It is a real pleasure to admire the square, along which a few moments ago you personally walked, and now you have the opportunity to plunge into the past.
Those who are especially interested in how much Venice has changed over the past few centuries will be incredibly pleased with the work of Canoletto, who painted urban landscapes in a very naturalistic way. When you look at his work, it seems that in front of you is not a painted image, but an old photograph. It is doubly surprising to correlate his works with what is stored in the memory of a modern camera.
Also worthy of special attention are the masterpieces of Titian Vecellio, who managed to become famous as a magnificent portrait painter and master of biblical subjects. One of his greatest works, The Ascension of the Mother of God, written at the beginning of the sixteenth century, is especially noteworthy. She got into the gallery quite by accident – for a long time the canvas lay on the floor of one of the temples, abandoned and dusty, until one local philanthropist noticed it and transferred it to the museum.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The museum is open daily from 8:15 to 19:15, except on Mondays, when it closes at 14:00. In addition, days off are December 25 (in connection with the celebration of Catholic Christmas) and January 1 (New Year‘s Eve). Ticket price: 15 euros (+ 1.50 euros for tax). However, young Europeans between the ages of 18 and 25 and teachers (traveling without students) can purchase tickets at a reduced price of 7.5 euros.
Also, some citizens, such as journalists or translators, have a chance to get in for free. Promotions and zero rates are valid on certain days and change depending on the season, so it will not be superfluous to have work IDs and international student cards with you. In addition, except for Christmas, on other holidays the administration of the museum is also generous with discounts. So, for example, on February 14, lovers are often skipped in line and without paying.
The Academy Gallery is a very popular place, so it will not be superfluous to arrive half an hour before the opening (although in this case there is a risk of standing in line for quite a long time). Ticket sales end one hour before the museum closes.
How to get to the Academy Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is located in the Campo della Carità area, at street number 1050. The bridge of the same name can serve as a reference point. You can get to it on foot (it takes about half an hour) or by vaporetto (boat, which is the main public transport in Venice). Stop – “Ponte dell'Accademia”.