The Naval History Museum (Museo Storico Navale di Venezia) is a premier institution dedicated to Venice’s illustrious maritime heritage and the history of the Italian Navy. Located in the Castello sestiere near the historic Arsenale, the museum is housed in a 15th-century building that once served as a granary for the Venetian Republic. Managed by the Italian Navy, it is considered the most important naval museum in Italy, offering a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s seafaring dominance and naval innovations.
The Naval History Museum reflects Venice’s centuries-long status as a
maritime superpower, from the medieval Republic of Venice (Serenissima)
to the modern Italian Navy. Its development is marked by several key
milestones:
17th Century: Origins in the “House of Models”
The
museum’s roots trace back to the late 17th century, when the Venetian
Republic established the “Casa dei Modelli” (House of Models) within the
Arsenale. This collection housed scale models used for shipbuilding,
serving as precursors to design drawings. A parallel collection, the
“Sale dell’armar” in the Doge’s Palace, stored weapons and naval
trophies. Both were plundered during the Napoleonic occupation in 1797,
with surviving artifacts later consolidated in the Arsenale as the
“Museo dell’Arsenale”.
1919: Official Founding
The museum was
officially established in 1919 by the Regia Marina (Italian Royal Navy)
following World War I, under a Royal Decree aimed “to emphasize how
audacious the Italian naval spirit was in every age.” The initial
collection was housed within the Arsenale, drawing from relics preserved
by the Austrians after their rule (1814–1866) and artifacts from the
Serenissima and early Italian Navy.
1964: Relocation to Current
Site
In 1964, the museum moved to its present location at Riva S.
Biasio, Campo San Biagio, a five-story former granary of the Venetian
Republic. This relocation allowed for an expanded exhibition space
across 42 rooms covering 4,000 square meters. The move coincided with
the establishment of a complementary Technical Naval Museum in La Spezia
for technical artifacts, while Venice focused on historical and artistic
collections.
1980s: Addition of the Ships Pavilion
Since 1980,
the museum has included the Ships Pavilion, located in the former oar
workshops of the Arsenale (constructed mid-16th century). This annex
houses full-scale vessels and served temporarily as the seat of the
Great Council after a fire in 1577 damaged the Doge’s Palace.
Recent Developments
The main museum building is currently closed for
renovations (as of 2025), with no confirmed reopening date, but the
Ships Pavilion and Enrico Dandolo Submarine remain open to visitors.
Restoration efforts aim to modernize the facility while preserving its
historical integrity.
The Naval History Museum occupies a historic complex that reflects
its maritime and industrial context, with two primary components:
Main Building
Location and Structure: Situated at Riva S. Biasio,
Castello 2148, the main building is a 15th-century granary originally
used to store grain for producing “biscuit,” a long-life bread for
Venetian galleys. The five-story structure spans 4,000 square meters
across 42 exhibition rooms, providing ample space for the museum’s
extensive collection.
Architectural Style: The granary is a
utilitarian yet robust example of Venetian industrial architecture, with
thick stone walls and a functional design suited to its original
purpose. Its proximity to the Arsenale underscores its historical role
in supporting the Republic’s naval operations.
Entrance: The entrance
is flanked by two enormous anchors, evoking a nautical atmosphere and
hinting at the treasures within. The interior retains a somewhat
“old-fashioned” charm, with dark, wood-lined rooms that feel like
stepping below the deck of a historic ship.
Ships Pavilion
Location and Structure: Located at Rio dell’Arsenale, Castello 2162,
near the Arsenale bridge, the Ships Pavilion occupies a mid-16th-century
oar workshop. The building comprises three linear wings and a
perpendicular fourth wing, covering 2,000 square meters. Its roofing was
restored in the 19th century with iron beams integrated into wooden
trusses, a testament to post-unification engineering.
Historical
Significance: Constructed to produce and store oars for Venetian
galleys, the pavilion briefly housed the Great Council in 1577–1587
after the Doge’s Palace fire. Its conversion to a museum annex in 1980
preserved its industrial character while adapting it for public use.
Accessibility Note: The pavilion has three steps at the entrance, with
no ramp, but security personnel assist visitors with mobility
challenges.
Enrico Dandolo Submarine
Location: Positioned
within the Arsenale between Darsena Grande and Canale delle Galeazze,
the submarine is a standalone exhibit accessible with a special ticket.
Design: The Enrico Dandolo, a Cold War-era attack submarine (46 meters
long, 5 meters wide), was one of the first submarines built in Italy
post-World War II. Its compact, maneuverable design was ideal for
Adriatic waters. Visitors can explore its maneuvering cabin and torpedo
launch room, offering a visceral connection to naval history.
The museum’s collection is a rich tapestry of Venice’s maritime
legacy, spanning the Serenissima’s dominance, the Italian Navy’s
evolution, and global naval influences. The main building (currently
closed) houses the bulk of the exhibits, while the Ships Pavilion and
Enrico Dandolo Submarine provide immersive experiences. Key highlights
include:
Main Building (Temporarily Closed)
Ground Floor:
A
marble monument by Antonio Canova dedicated to Admiral Angelo Emo, a
celebrated Venetian naval commander.
Massive cannons and relief maps
of 16th-century overseas fortresses, illustrating Venice’s strategic
military reach.
A slow-running torpedo (M.A.S.) from World War II,
used by frogmen to sink 16 ships, including HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS
Valiant.
First to Third Floors:
Ship Models: A vast collection
of meticulously crafted scale models, including galleys, pirate ships,
fishing vessels, and modern submarines. Highlights include a model of
the Bucintoro, the Doge’s ceremonial barge, symbolizing Venice’s
“marriage to the sea” during the Sensa festival.
Naval Weaponry and
Instruments: Cannons, navigation tools, and diving equipment, including
Austro-Hungarian submarine gear from the early 20th century.
Naval Fashion and Uniforms: Over 300 years of uniforms, from Venetian
officers’ jackets to Japanese naval attire, showcasing Mediterranean and
global influences. Decorative patches and awards display intricate
graphic designs.
Gondola Display: Historic gondolas, including Peggy
Guggenheim’s private gondola (with photos of her and her dogs on the
Grand Canal) and one with a felze (a covered cabin for privacy).
Maritime Republics and Beyond: Exhibits on other Maritime Republics
(e.g., Genoa, Pisa) and a unique section on the Swedish Navy, though
English translations are limited.
Art and Memorabilia: Paintings,
such as one damaged by a British grenade in World War II, and a pennant
from Gabriele D’Annunzio’s aircraft.
Fourth Floor:
Dedicated
to the history of Venetian shipbuilding, with models of Roman ships from
Lake Nemi and artifacts from the Arsenale’s workshops.
Ships
Pavilion (Open)
Full-Scale Vessels: The pavilion houses a variety of
boats, including:
Ceremonial gondolas, showcasing Venice’s opulent
traditions.
Working lagoon boats, reflecting daily life in the
Venetian lagoon.
Military ships, such as galleys used in battles like
Lepanto (1571).
Historical Context: The pavilion’s setting in the
former oar workshops connects visitors to the Arsenale’s role as the
heart of Venetian shipbuilding, once producing a galley a day at its
peak.
Enrico Dandolo Submarine (Open)
Interactive Experience:
Visitors can board the submarine, exploring its cramped interiors,
including the command room with nautical charts of the Adriatic and the
torpedo launch room. The exhibit highlights Cold War naval technology
and the strategic role of submarines in the Mediterranean.
Visitor
Feedback: Described as a “beautiful visit” by a parent with a
12-year-old, the submarine is a hit with families and history
enthusiasts.
Bucintoro Model (1837): A spectacular replica of the Doge’s golden
state barge, destroyed by Napoleon and later used as a floating prison
before sinking. Plans to rebuild a new Bucintoro have not materialized.
M.A.S. Torpedo: A “slow-speed torpedo” used by frogmen in World War II,
displayed at the entrance, underscores Italy’s innovative naval tactics.
Panerai Watches and Frogman Gear: Compasses and watches used by Italian
frogmen, later popularized by the luxury brand Panerai, highlight the
intersection of military and civilian design.
Limitations
Language Barriers: Many exhibits lack English translations, which can
challenge non-Italian speakers.
Presentation: Some visitors note the
museum’s “dated” layout and lighting, suggesting modernization could
enhance the experience.
The Naval History Museum is a vital link to Venice’s identity as a
maritime empire and its enduring naval legacy:
Venetian Maritime
Power: For over 400 years, Venice dominated the Mediterranean, with a
fleet of 3,330 vessels at its 14th-century peak. The museum illustrates
this through artifacts from the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and the Sensa
festival, where the Bucintoro symbolized Venice’s “marriage to the sea.”
Arsenale’s Legacy: The museum’s proximity to the Arsenale, the world’s
largest pre-industrial shipyard, underscores Venice’s shipbuilding
prowess. The Arsenale’s assembly-line techniques, depicted in museum
paintings, predate modern industrial methods.
Italian Navy’s
Evolution: Exhibits trace the transition from the Serenissima to the
unified Italian Navy post-1866, highlighting innovations like the M.A.S.
torpedo and Cold War submarines.
Cultural Influence: Naval designs,
from striped sailor shirts to graphic flags, have shaped modern fashion
and aesthetics, as noted in visitor reflections.
Hidden Gem: Less
crowded than Venice’s major attractions, the museum offers an intimate,
“old-fashioned” experience, ideal for history buffs and families. Its
location in the quieter Castello sestiere adds to its charm.
Location:
Main Building: Riva S. Biasio, Castello 2148, 30122
Venice (currently closed for renovations).
Ships Pavilion: Rio
dell’Arsenale, Castello 2162, near Arsenale bridge.
Enrico Dandolo
Submarine: Within the Arsenale, between Darsena Grande and Canale delle
Galeazze.
Approximately 10 minutes’ walk east from Piazza San Marco
along Riva degli Schiavoni, or 5 minutes from the Arsenale.
Access:
By Vaporetto: Take Lines 1, 4.1, or 4.2 to the Arsenale stop
(2–3 minutes’ walk).
By Foot: From Piazza San Marco, walk east along
Riva degli Schiavoni (10 minutes). From Fondamente Nove, walk south for
about 20 minutes.
Opening Hours (Ships Pavilion and Submarine, as of
2025):
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays.
Last entry at 5:00
PM. Check the official website for updates, especially during holidays.
Submarine guided tours at fixed times (check
https://munav.it/info-e-orari/).
Tickets:
Ships Pavilion Only:
€10 (full), €8 (reduced for ages 6–14, students 15–25, over 65, Muve
Friend Card holders), €4 (schools), €1.55 (Venice residents). Free for
Ministry of Defense personnel, people with disabilities, children under
6, ANMI, ICOM members, and Venice municipal school groups.
Pavilion +
Submarine: €26 (full), €22 (reduced).
Tickets can be booked online at
https://munav.it/ or purchased on-site. Skip-the-line options are
available via platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide.
Donations
support a naval orphanage.
Contact:
Phone: +39 041 244 1399 or
+39 041 575 4259
Email: info@munav.it
Website: https://munav.it/
Tips for Visiting:
Call ahead (+39 041 244 1399) to confirm
opening status due to ongoing renovations.
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the
Ships Pavilion and submarine; the main building requires over an hour
when open.
Dress warmly in winter, as the museum can be cold.
Guided tours (with reservations via ticketing@velaspa.com) enhance the
experience, especially for the submarine.
Combine with visits to
nearby attractions like the Arsenale, Biennale Gardens, or San Martino
Church.
Accessibility: The Ships Pavilion has minor steps; staff
assist with mobility needs. The submarine’s tight spaces may be
challenging for some visitors.
The Naval History Museum remains a vital institution under the Italian Navy’s stewardship, balancing historical preservation with public engagement. The ongoing renovations of the main building aim to address criticisms about dated presentation and improve accessibility, though the lack of English translations remains a hurdle. The Ships Pavilion and Enrico Dandolo Submarine continue to draw visitors, particularly families and naval enthusiasts, with positive reviews highlighting their uncrowded, educational appeal. The museum’s integration with the Arsenale, a symbol of Venice’s industrial past, reinforces its role in preserving the city’s maritime identity amidst modern challenges like tourism and urban conservation.