Mocenigo Palace

The Palazzo Mocenigo, located in the Santa Croce district in Venice, is a splendid historic residence that now houses the Museum of Textile, Costume, and Perfume History. This magnificent Gothic structure, extensively rebuilt at the beginning of the 17th century, was the residence of the Mocenigo family, one of the most important in the Venetian patriciate, which produced seven doges for the Serenissima between 1414 and 1778. The history of the palace dates back to the 17th century, when the San Stae branch of the Mocenigo family lived there. The building has maintained its relevance through the centuries, representing a hub of power and culture in Venice. The Mocenigo family had a significant impact on Venetian politics and society, contributing with procurators, ambassadors, sea and land captains, as well as clergy and men of letters. In 1945, the last descendant of the family, Alvise Nicolò Mocenigo, left the palace to the city of Venice on the condition that it become an art gallery complementing the Correr Museum. Thirty years later, upon the death of his wife, the palace was officially opened to the public in 1985 as the Museum and Study Center of Textile and Costume History. The museum contains rich collections of ancient textiles and costumes, largely from the Correr, Guggenheim, and Cini collections, as well as from the suppressed Palazzo Grassi Center. The museum was renovated and expanded in 2013, doubling the exhibition area available to visitors. Currently, the museum tour winds through twenty rooms on the noble first floor, evoking various aspects of the life and activities of Venetian nobles between the 17th and 18th centuries. On display are mannequins dressed in precious ancient garments and accessories, representing the importance of fashion and costume in Venetian life at the time. One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is the section dedicated to perfume. This exhibition path explores the history and evolution of perfume, showcasing ancient tools, recipes, and historical bottles. The attention to detail and rich documentation make this section particularly interesting for enthusiasts of cosmetic history. The museum library, located in the rooms of the noble floor, is another valuable resource, specializing in the history of textiles, costumes, and fashion. The library is designed as a research and study center, providing access to a vast archive of documents, books, and illustrations covering centuries of fashion and textile evolution. Palazzo Mocenigo also hosts cultural events, temporary exhibitions, and educational activities, keeping the city’s cultural tradition alive. Its frescoed rooms, the work of 18th-century artists such as Giambattista Canal, Giovanni Scajaro, and Jacopo Guarana, offer a fascinating glimpse into the art and architecture of the time.