You're in Venier dei Leoni Palace, which you've probably already admired while cruising down the Grand Canal. Almost like a symbol of the Venetian Republic's decline, this palace's construction was suddenly interrupted during works on the first floor, remaining unfinished and taking on an appearance that almost makes it look like bizarre, modern "ruins". The terrace facing the canal has a work by Marino Marini set against the beautiful trees of the garden; he was one of the greatest Italian sculptors of the 19th century.
In 1948 the palace was bought by the whimsical collector and art dealer Peggy Guggenheim, who was fascinated by this unusual building. Guggenheim's life was like a story from a novel: born in New York, her father died in the shipwreck of the Titanic when she was still a young girl. She lived in Paris and London, and she was constantly involved with avant-garde artists in a tangle of rather scandalous love stories. Art was a family passion: her Uncle Solomon had founded the famous museum in New York City with the same name. Not wanting to be lesser than her uncle, the eccentric billionaire decided to transform her home into a real public museum, which is still one of the most important in Italy for twentieth century art. So thanks to her, another connection was made between ancient Venice and contemporary art in addition to the Biennale, which I discuss in a separate audio guide.
After the founder's death, the Guggenheim collection took on much more of the appearance of a museum. Only a few rooms have been preserved in the style of a home; I recommend visiting them as well, especially the bedroom with the silver bed decorations made by the sculptor Alexander Calder and windows designed by Picasso. You should also note the paintings by Peggy's daughter, Pegeen Vail Guggenheim, a remarkable painter who died precociously.
FUN FACT: I suggest starting your tour from the garden, which is one of the few green spaces in the historic center of Venice. Here you can admire various sculptures, including a group of three standing figures by the Englishman Henry Moore. One corner of the garden has Peggy's tomb located near those of some of her beloved dogs; she died in 1979 in the Veneto region.
Language: English