Fondazione Prada Venice: Everything you need to know
Venice, with its canals, palazzos and artistic treasures is a city that always renews itself while respecting the past.
Within this unique context is Fondazione Prada Venice, a cultural destination where old and new meet, a must see for visitors.
Located in the beautiful Ca’ Corner della Regina, this historic building has been transformed into a space for contemporary art and culture under the direction of Miuccia Prada and her foundation.
Fondazione Prada Venice: What’s it about?
Fondazione Prada Venice is located in the stunning Ca’ Corner della Regina, a Venetian palace that overlooks the Grand Canal in the Santa Croce district. The building was built between 1723 and 1728 for the Corner family by Domenico Rossi. The palace is of great historical importance as it was built on the ruins of a Gothic palace where Caterina Corner, future Queen of Cyprus, was born in 1454.
The architecture of Ca’ Corner della Regina is similar to Ca’ Pesaro designed by Baldassare Longhena, with an Istrian stone façade and stucco decorations inside. The building is a work of art itself with symmetrical staircases and grand halls with frescoes depicting episodes from the life of Caterina Corner.
Once a seat of power and commerce the palace has had many lives. In the 1800s it was owned by Pope Pius VII who gave it to the Padri Cavanis.
Later it was the Monte di Pietà and ASAC (Historical Archives of Contemporary Art) until 2010. In 2011 it became the Venetian headquarters of Fondazione Prada and started a new chapter in its history. Today it’s a cultural monument and a space for historical and contemporary art.
Prada Foundation Venice tickets
Visitors to Fondazione Prada Venice pay an entrance fee, ticket prices vary depending on the exhibitions and events.
Adults €10-€15, students, seniors and groups discounts available. Some special events or Venice Biennale collaborations have separate prices or limited access.
Fondazione Prada Venice: what to see
Ground Floor
The ground floor of Fondazione Prada Venice is a mix of old and new. As you enter the building you are in a space where past and present meet. The ground floor often hosts new and innovative installations about brains, art and technology. In the past exhibitions have included video art, conceptual sculptures and thought provoking contemporary works by international artists.
Historical and contemporary works project
One of the characteristics of Fondazione Prada is the blending of historical and contemporary works. The exhibitions often link the palace’s past to the present day interpretation of art. You can see installations (Monte di Pietà - Diamond Maker) by artists like Carsten Höller who question the reality and Taryn Simon who reflects on art, history and identity.
The permanent spaces of the palace feature works that showcase the historical archive, centuries of art and culture that have shaped Venice and the art world.
Many artists and installations
The upper floors of the palace offer a more classical but no less fascinating art experience. You will see a wide range of paintings, sculptures and multimedia installations by international contemporary artists. The exhibitions often explore human existence, social structures and the future of art in the digital age.
What to know when visiting Fondazione Prada Venice Italy
When you visit Fondazione Prada Venice:
- Where: Fondazione is located in Ca’ Corner della Regina, on the Grand Canal in the Santa Croce district. One of the most beautiful Gothic palaces in Venice, it’s a unique combination of historical and modern art in a stunning location.
- Exhibitions: The palace hosts rotating exhibitions with historical and contemporary works. Check what’s on as it can be studies of human brains, conceptual art with cutting-edge technology and more.
- History and Architecture: The building has a rich history. Originally built by the Corner family, it was the birthplace of Caterina Corner, the future queen of Cyprus. Later it was the Monte di Pietà and then the Venetian headquarters of Fondazione Prada. The restoration has preserved many of the historical features like frescoes, stucco decorations and grand portego halls.
- Permanent Spaces and New Installations: Ground floor and upper floors are dedicated to new installations and permanent spaces so each visit to the Fondazione is always something new. You will see works by contemporary artists that interact with the palace’s history.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds and more: As Miuccia Prada loves innovation the Fondazione often explores avant-garde topics like lab-grown diamonds and art and technology. Whether you are interested in the historical Monte di Pietà or contemporary art, there’s always something to see.