This Gothic palace on the Grand Canal takes its name ("House of Gold") from the gilding that once covered its lace-like facade. Inside is the Galleria Franchetti, a collection of Renaissance sculpture and painting assembled by Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who left the building to the state in the early twentieth century. The interior courtyard and the loggia facing the canal are as much the point of the visit as the artworks on display.
Ca' d'Oro, formally the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro, is a 15th-century Gothic palace on the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district of Venice, Italy, at Calle Ca' d'Oro. Its name, the Golden House, refers to the gilding and colour that once decorated the facade, which is one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic with its lace-like tracery of loggias and quatrefoils. The palace was bought and restored by Baron Giorgio Franchetti in the early 20th century, and he donated it with his art collection to the Italian state. Today it is a state museum with paintings, sculpture, bronzes, tapestries and ceramics. The collection includes Andrea Mantegna's Saint Sebastian, displayed in a small dedicated room, works by Titian, Carpaccio and Guardi, and sculpture by Tullio Lombardo. Inside, the courtyard has a decorated well head and a mosaic floor, and the stairs lead to the portego, the main hall on the piano nobile, whose open loggia looks over the Grand Canal. The terrace on the canal is one of the best places in Venice to see the traffic and the palazzi opposite, including the Rialto market. A visit takes about an hour. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15AM to 7:15PM, with shorter hours on Monday, and admission is around €8, with free entry for EU citizens under 18. It is far less crowded than the museums around San Marco, and the quietest times are weekday mornings. Visitors arrive by vaporetto at the Ca' d'Oro stop on Line 1, which is beside the entrance, or on foot from the Rialto. Photography without flash is generally allowed.
| Admission | Adult €8 (~$8.75) · Child Free under 18 (EU) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 8:15AM-7:15PM, Mon 8:15AM-2PM |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Tuesday-Thursday mornings |
| Getting there | Vaporetto Line 1 to Ca' d'Oro |
| Address | Calle Ca' d'Oro, 3932, 30121 Venezia |
Location
Calle Ca' d'Oro, 3932, 30121 Venezia
45.4416, 12.3357 View on map
Highlights
- Gothic Grand Canal facade with lace-like tracery
- Mantegna's Saint Sebastian
- Portego loggia overlooking the Grand Canal
- Courtyard with well head and mosaic floor
- Sculpture by Tullio Lombardo and works by Titian
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by vaporetto at the Ca' d'Oro stop on Line 1 to see the facade from the water.
- Visit on a weekday morning for a very quiet museum.
- Monday hours are shorter, closing around 2PM.
- Spend time on the canal loggia for photographs.
- EU citizens under 18 enter free.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. The canal loggia is at its best in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
Accessibility
The palace has a lift for upper floors, and much of the museum is step-free. The historic building may limit access in places, so confirm at the desk.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About an hour for the main rooms and the terrace.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally allowed for personal use.
Is it worth it for kids?
Mainly for older children interested in art. The canal terrace is a highlight.
Why is it called the Golden House?
The name refers to the gilding and colour that once decorated the facade.