Although Venice boasts a fantastic amount of in-situ artworks, a good number have been removed from their original setting and are now found within the Accademia, Venice's premier art museum. On this three-hour Accademia Gallery tour we'll join a local art historian to dive into this world-class collection, containing works by such masters as Veronese, Titian, Tintoretto, and Giorgione. Along the way, we'll get more background and develop a deeper appreciation for the distinct art scene that popped up in Venice during the Renaissance.

In our exploration of the Accademia Gallery, we'll cover the most important pieces as well as oft-overlooked gems, and explore the distinct character of this wonderful collection, which focuses predominantly on Venetian art, but also includes paintings by Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, Hans Memling, and Cosme’ Tura. Among the masterpieces housed in this museum is the famed drawing by Leonardo, “The Vitruvian Man,” exhibited only on special occasions. 

Together with our guide, an art historian, we will explore highlights of the collection, among which are works by Veronese, Titian, Tintoretto, Giorgione, and Tiepolo, while weaving a narrative on the history and distinctive characters of Venetian art. Historically often compared with and contrasted to the Florentine Renaissance, the Venetians had their own unique style and technique. The former placed particular importance on the disegno, the design, as a means to reproduce nature while using a vivid color palette. The latter, instead, were interested in the process of layering and blending colors, creating wonderful effects of light. 

We will spend considerable time contextualizing these works, in regard to both local history and their place in the canon of art. We will also look at the wider implications of these works in the social and political developments of the time. The goal of this walk is not to race through the corridors in an attempt to see "everything" but, instead, to observe selected works in-depth in order to gain a full appreciation for their significance.

Love art? You might also pair this tour with another Venetian art tour, like the Titian in Venice Tour, examining the role of the artist and his contemporaries during the high Renaissance.

Do you reserve headsets for this tour? 

Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to ordering headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.

Is this tour suitable for children? This tour isn’t part of our official family program, however, we can assign a family-friendly guide for family tours. Families may prefer to book our Kids tours, which have been specifically designed to engage younger learners: Venice Tour for Kids: Lion Hunt, Daily Life in Venice Tour for Kids, Doge's Palace Tour for Kids: Galileo in Venice

Is this tour suitable for visitors with mobility issues? The Gallerie dell’Accademia is accessible to mobility-impaired persons via the barrier-free entrance located at the right-hand side of the museum. The premises are equipped with lifts to access the first floor and lifting platforms between halls.