Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in Venice

The Diocesian Museum of Sacred Art was established in the 1970s with the goal to represent the essence of the numerous examples of sacred art in the diocese. Venice and its lovely churches provided fascinating resources, and the exhibitions have always had two major objectives – to amaze with its artistic value and to educate using artistic means. Today, the rich collection of the Diocesian Museum in Venice contains paintings, jewellery, wood sculptures, etc. Contemporary developments in sacred art can also be admired.

The idea of establishing such a museum in Venice was first had by future Pope John Paul I, then by Cardinal Albino Luciani. It was carried out in in the 1970s. After the issuance of a patriarchal decree in 1976, the founding of the museum became possible. The site started by exhibiting works of sacred art, transferred to the museum from their original locations because of bad climatic conditions. The collection grew in dimensions over time, taking advantage of objects that had to be removed from churches in Venice.

The exhibitions also feature displays of contemporary sacred art that are constantly being completed and renewed. Exhibitions of some of the collections of the museum are often organised in other places in the city, while at the same time the museum hosts various temporary expositions itself. The Diocesian Museum organises free guided tours of some of its expositions – the schedule is announced in advance.