Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti Palace

Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti, Neo-Gothic Splendor on the Grand Canal

Located on the banks of the Grand Canal, next to the Palazzo Barbaro and at the foot of the Accademia Bridge, the Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti stands out for its Gothic facade, extensively remodeled in the 19th century. Its history dates back to the mid-15th century, when the Marcello family of San Vidal had a residence built reflecting the prestige of their family.

In the 16th century, the palace was progressively divided: the Gussoni acquired the second floor and the attic between 1514 and 1531, then the family of diplomat Marino Cavalli bought the piano nobile in 1569. This division lasted until the 19th century. 
In the 1840s, Archduke Frederick of Austria reunited the various parts and undertook an ambitious modernization of the building, which was then equipped with modern amenities for the time, notably gas lighting, heating, and running water.

After his death in 1847, the palace passed to the Count of Chambord, legitimist pretender to the French throne. He entrusted Giambattista Meduna with a vast transformation intended to harmonize the different building sections. Meduna also laid out the large garden extending from the Grand Canal towards Campo Santo Stefano.

In 1878, Baron Raimondo Franchetti and his wife Sarah Luisa de Rothschild acquired the palace and launched a new campaign of works. Architect Camillo Boito notably reworked the facades, created a new wing, and designed the spectacular monumental staircase.

In 1922, Sarah Luisa de Rothschild transferred the palace to the Istituto Federale di Credito per il Risorgimento delle Venezie. Acquired in 1999 by the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti through Venezia Iniziative Culturali, it now constitutes one of its two main sites and hosts conferences, symposia, exhibitions, and cultural events.

Its facade on the Grand Canal is particularly well visible from the Accademia Bridge and the vaporetti. The garden, rare in this location, forms a transition between the Grand Canal and Campo Santo Stefano.

Visiting Tips

The palace is not a museum open at all times: discovering the interior spaces depends on the scheduled exhibitions and events. Some parts of the garden and the exhibition rooms are then open to the public; it is therefore advisable to consult the program before visiting.

Sources and further information

Istituto Veneto - Palazzo Franchetti ; Palazzo Franchetti - History ; Istituto Veneto - Exhibitions and programming.