These of the Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Venice

Can you believe it’s August already. Where is the time going. That means it’s time for another ArtSmart post as part of the ArtSmart Roundtable follow along on Facebook for creative travel related posts. This month’s theme is water, so I’ve kind of thought a little outside the box. I love Venice. It’s been a while since I visited, but there was something about the narrow streets, the amazing canal views, and the fairytale architecture that’s had a hold on my heart ever since. So, today, as part of the ArtSmart theme of water, I’ve decided to divert my attention back to this lovely city once more. You get it, right. Because of all the water there.
I remember traipsing through a number of renaissance and classic art museums whilst I was in Venice, but it was the Guggenheim that really stood out for me. I’m a huge fan of contemporary art, and I’ve put together a selection of some of the best contemporary art galleries in Venice just in case you’re a huge fan of it, too. Let find out These of the Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Venice below.

These of the Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Venice

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This is perhaps the most popular collection of contemporary art in Venice. Set in the quirky surroundings of an 18th century Grand Canal palazzo, the museum pays homage to some of the world’s most well known artists, including works by the likes of Picasso, Duchamp, Max Ernst who Peggy Guggenheim was married to for a short while, and Jackson Pollock. If you’re looking for an overview of 20th century art, then make a bee line for this collection. That is once of These of the Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Venice.

Punta della Dogana

Though situated close to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, this new gallery is much, much younger than its world famous counterpart. The gallery can be found inside the 17th century warehouses at the Punta, an area that had long been neglected before it was auctioned off to Francois Pinault, a French fashion magnate.
It’s his collection that is on display there now, featuring what’s thought to be one of the largest private collections of 20th and 21st century art anywhere, with pieces by Jeff Koons, Dan Flavin, and Rachel Whiteread to name just a few. That is once of These of the Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Venice.

Giudecca 795 Art Gallery

Located on the Venetian island of Giudecca inside a 16th century palazzetto known as Palazzo Foscari, this contemporary art gallery showcases the work of up and coming local and international artists. It covers all manner of mediums, from photography and sculpture, to painting, design, and video, and it is one of the hottest spaces in Venice for new talents to highlight their work.

Ravagnan Art Gallery

Opened back in 1967 and founded by Luciano Ravagnan, this art gallery is one of the oldest contemporary art spaces in Venice. Set in San Marco Square, it boasts an iconic backdrop that stems back hundreds of years.
Inside, though, the artworks are some of the city’s more contemporary offerings, featuring local names such as Ludovico De Luigi, Matthias Kostner, Fabrizio Plessi, and Carlo Ravagnan, as well as some international names, too. These of the Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Venice.

Galleria l’Occhio

At just 100 metres away from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Galleria l’Occhio is a great place to add onto any contemporary art tour of Venice. Like the Bugno, it opened its doors back in 1991 and, since then, has been showcasing the work of young Italian and international artists within its two gallery spaces.

Bugno Art Gallery

Bugno Art Gallery was opened back in 1991 and, since then, it has formed a pivotal part of Venice’s contemporary art scene. Throughout the years it has represented numerous local artists who have gone on to become big name sensations, as well as international, well known talents. The gallery is known for holding a number of fairs, too, where it showcases its work to collectors and art enthusiasts.

Ocean Space

Ocean Space is a global centre for catalyzing ocean literacy, research, and advocacy through the arts, sorely needed since the world’s oceans and their ecosystems are increasingly under threat, and a fitting cause to champion in water bound Venice. The centre is located in an old church, San Lorenzo, which was closed to the public for nearly a century but has now undergone conservation and renewal. It’s run by TBA21 Academy, a non profit founded by Swiss art collector Francesca Thyssen Bornemisza. Expect informative, beautiful installations that may well change how you look at the environment.