If you're like me, a lover of contemporary art, you must stop by Palazzo Grassi while in Venice…read more I remember my time "getting lost" in Venice and stumbling across this hidden gem. After seeing and admiring a mind numbing amount of Renaissance art while in Italy, it was refreshing to come across this modern art museum for a change of pace. The museum is owned by François Pinault, owner of Kering, the group that owns Gucci, Balenciago, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney and... Puma, Volcom, and Tretorn among other brands. Pinault owns one of the biggest collections of contemporary art worldwide Check their website for current exhibitions -- http://www.palazzograssi.it/en Good luck finding it!

This 18th century palazzo has an impressive history of its own. At one time it was occupied by the…read moreJesuits. In the 1980s it was bought and restored by FIAT. Currently owned by French fashion mogul Francois Pinault. It holds wonderful, inspiring exhibitions - the recent 'Picasso, la joie de vivre' was magnificent. The building itself is splendid with a wonderful staircase and stunningly ornate gold encrusted ceilings. Gazing out of the windows provides a further brilliant, if slightly distracting, artistic vision. As an avid art collector, Pinault's personal collection is deeply impressive, varied and often quirky featuring notable works by Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. If you need a breather from the art overload, take a break in the palazzo's cafe run by renowned restaurant Vecio Fritolin. Enjoy a light lunch or just a restorative caffe.

Such an amazing event. I cannot explain the beauty in each Pavilllion. Don't miss the Simone Leigh…read moresculpures. Beautifully curated.

Honestly, I came here hoping to see a museum on the history of the Arsenal, and the Venetian fleet,…read moreand instead I was treated to a modern art museum. Honestly, I absolutely hate modern art, and it was a travesty that such a place have been transformed into a museum containing experimental art forms that are designed to shock, confuse, and to leave people completely baffled. As a friend once pointed out, half of the modern artist out there are probably laughing their heads off when people actually consider that their works have any value whatsoever.