The Querini Stampalia palace – a journey through Venice past and present

Our visit to the magnificent historic residence of the Querini Stampalia family gives an extraordinary insight into the lifestyle, tastes and mindset of the Venetian aristocracy up to the end of the 1800s.

The public role and the intimate world of this noble family clearly emerges through our exploration of the historic rooms of the palace, where we can admire original antique furniture, eighteenth-century decor comprising impressive Murano mirrors and chandeliers, elaborate stuccowork, and gorgeous frescoes, as well as extensive collections of paintings and objects d’art, including pieces in porcelain, clocks and musical instruments. Able to hold on to their privileges and increase their wealth down the centuries, the Querini Stampalia family left us this great legacy, a treasure trove which reveals so much of the social history of Venice.

Yet the palazzo also has some surprisingly modern features – such as a garden created by the important modernist architect Carlo Scarpa, and work to the interior by both Scarpa and Mario Botta; the palace’s gothic facade boasts a contemporary art installation by Joseph Kosuth comprising a quote from John Ruskin’s “The Stones of Venice”.

Our visit through the museum and its collections will continue with an exploration of the surrounding neighbourhood, taking us through Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Campiello Querini, and the spectacular Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo.