Museum of Arzana in Venice
A small but excellent museum in Cannaregio district in Venice, with traditional Venetian boats named “Arzanà” (Arsenal in Venetian dialect).
The Museum of Arzanà is a secret museum, housed in one of Cannaregio’s last remaining squeri (boatyards) and has a fascinating collection of 50 historic boats and their endlessly varied trimmings, saved from destruction by enthusiastic nonprofit Arzanà.
The yard isn’t open to the public on a regular basis, but visits can be arranged in advance by email. You can also discover the Arzanà with guided tours between past and future, “From the Naval History Museum at the squero Casal”.
For more information about how to visit Arzanà, you can call (+39) 331 74 60 148 (Monday – Friday 9 – 13) or email squerocasal@gmail.com or associazionearzana@gmail.com.
Cannaregio district, close to Teatro Italia in Strada Nova, Calle delle Pignatte 1936 / D, 30121 VENEZIA
There are a few ways to get to the Arzanà Museum from San Marco.
By foot: It is about a 20-minute walk from San Marco to the Arzanà Museum. You will need to head north along the Grand Canal and then turn left onto Calle delle Pignatte. The museum is located on the right-hand side of the street.
By vaporetto: You can also take the vaporetto to the Fondamente Nove stop. From there, it is a short walk to the museum.
By private water taxi: If you are feeling flush, you can take a private water taxi to the museum. This is the quickest way to get there, but it is also the most expensive.
