International Gallery of Modern Art Ca' Pesaro

The International Gallery of Modern Art Ca’ Pesaro, located in the Santa Croce district in Venice, is an institution of great prestige and cultural importance. The building that houses the museum, Ca’ Pesaro, is a magnificent Baroque palace overlooking the Grand Canal. Built in the 17th century according to the design of Baldassare Longhena, the palace is a splendid example of Venetian architecture of the time, characterized by an imposing and richly decorated facade. The history of Ca’ Pesaro as a museum began in 1898, when Duchess Felicita Bevilacqua La Masa, the last heir of the Pesaro family, donated the palace to the city of Venice with the intention that it be used to promote contemporary art. The International Gallery of Modern Art was inaugurated in 1902, quickly becoming a reference point for modern and contemporary art in Italy and Europe. The collection of the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca’ Pesaro is extraordinarily rich and diverse, covering a time span from the late 19th century to the present day. Among the most significant works preserved in the museum are masterpieces by artists such as Gustav Klimt, Pierre Bonnard, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, Joan Miró, and many others. A focal point of the collection is Klimt’s painting “Judith II,” one of the artist’s most famous works, which captures attention for its beauty and emotional intensity. In addition to painting, Ca’ Pesaro houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, with works by Auguste Rodin, Medardo Rosso, and Arturo Martini. Rodin’s sculpture “The Thinker,” for example, is one of the most iconic pieces in the collection, symbolizing human reflection and meditation. An interesting anecdote concerns the acquisition of Klimt’s painting “Judith II.” The work was purchased by the City of Venice in 1910, during the Venice Biennale, sparking great interest and curiosity. This acquisition marked the beginning of a series of acquisitions that would enrich the museum’s collection, making it one of the most important in Europe.