The Punta della Dogana is a Contemporary Art Center that opened its doors in 2009 to exhibit the extraordinary art collection of François Pinault.
In addition to the Pinault Collection, the Punta della Dogana contemporary art museum offers an ongoing series of temporary exhibitions in which visitors can enjoy a combined experience of contemporary art, historic architecture and the city of Venice, which can be admire through large windows.
Dogana da Mar
The triangular building, the work of architect Giuseppe Benoni, was completed in 1682, and is crowned by a tower topped by the Palla d'Oro. It is a bronze sphere held by two Atlanteans, representing the world, on which is the statue called Occasio. This statue symbolizes Fortune, and rotates like a weather vane, to signal the swings of fortune.
The Dogana da Mar was the city's maritime customs office in times of the Republic of Venice. Due to its position as the gateway to the city, the building served as a customs complex for naval trade goods.
In 2009, major restoration works were carried out inside the Dogana da Mar to allow the installation of a contemporary art center by French fashion magnate François Pinault. The rehabilitation of the building as well as its adaptation as an art gallery was carried out by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando in collaboration with a group of Italian architects.
Surrounded by important historical buildings, among which the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute by the baroque architect Baldassarre Longhena stands out, the former customs building has a total area of 5,000 square meters dedicated to contemporary art through exhibitions temporary and from the Pinault collection itself.
Map of the Punta della Dogana
AddressPunta della Dogana
Dorsoduro 2, Venezia, Italia
Vaporetto: Salute.
Punta della Dogana Pictures
