Of all the things you expect to remember the most about Venice, you would never think it would be a museum that would be so vivid in your memories. From the sparkling masks that line the windows of shops to the gondolas that float down every canal, Venice is breathtaking in so many different ways. Its beauty and cultural richness shines vibrantly with every step you take, but the best things in life are truly the discoveries you stumble upon without meaning to. That’s how I felt when I found myself inside the Museo della Musica, a music museum that was literally keeping the spirit of music alive in Venice.
It was the final day of our weekend in Venice, so my friends and I were just wandering around soaking it all in. We were were actually on a path on the main island from Saint Mark’s Basilica to the church where a scene from Indiana Jones was filmed, but we decided to take our time getting there and let ourselves be distracted by things calling to us on the journey. Some of the best memories made while traveling involve spontaneous findings you just don't know about until you get there, and this experience discovering the Museo della Musica ended up right on that list.
The sun was beating down on us as it was the middle of a May afternoon, and a dark opening on our right seemed like a promising retreat into the shade. Coming closer, we realized it was some kind of museum and after reading on the sign that it was free entry, we wandered inside to check it out.
The second you step foot through the doors, the cases of instruments all around you and large paintings lining the walls will take your breath away. You will be overcome by the beauty of the architecture of what you realize is a church that houses this museum. Your ears are met with the sweet sound of Italian opera and symphonic music playing throughout the church. You will slowly walk around in awe of everything, probably sighing “wow” out loud way too many times. I could tell this museum was something special, and from the quiet gasps of the people that followed behind me, I knew they were on the same page.
Jacomo, the man working at the information desk and cash register at the corner, said the museum is open every day.
“Even on Christmas,” the Venetian said.
Jacomo had worked there for three years and said that it was a solely a church before it became a museum 10 years ago. The museum is always free admission for everyone and the exhibits sometimes change, but all the instruments in there are string instruments.
What is really fascinating to hear about these instruments is that musicians to this day use these very instruments from the displays of these museums to play in the La Fenice opera house 800 feet down the road.
“You have to play them to keep them alive!” Jacomo said.
It's hard to believe that these instruments are removed from their displays, let alone be put to use in making music. You can't help but get chills imagining these old instruments being played in concerts with most people not even knowing how much history they hold.
According to https://www.artemusicavenezia.it/en/musei/museo-della-musica, Museo della Musica, hosted in the Church of San Maurizio in Campo San Maurizio, is an exhibit dedicated to the making of string instruments, something that plays an important role in the artistic expression and culture of Italy. It is located in Venice because Venice was a workshop for crafting and producing stringed instruments in the 18th century. The collection is Artemio Maestro Versari’s collection “Antonio Vivaldi and His Time”, and it portrays every detail of this Italian musical instrument making including the schools where craftsmen were taught how to make them, all the different designs and construction methods, how they were made, and how musical style has evolved over time.
The purpose of the Museo della Musica is for the collection to bring visitors an experience of hearing the sounds the instruments make, seeing works of art by makers such as Amati, Guadagnini, and Goffriller, and experiencing the history of music as portrayed through each piece. It is special in that all of this takes place in the environment of the church, which itself contains rich history, art, and beauty.
This museum consists of an exhibition of old and rare 17th- to 20th-century instruments (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/venice/attractions/museo-della-musica/a/poi-sig/400335/360029) that are still used, displays of parts that must be put together to craft musical instruments, information boards about Antonio Vivaldi and his time in Venice, and classical music played throughout. And because it is a church, there are altars, paintings, frescoes, and graphic statues of Jesus.
At the front of the museum and church is a small museum gift shop with a selection of little trinkets and souvenirs. There are postcards, books, and CDs for purchase, as well as unique mini music instruments, fitting to the music museum. Although not the cheapest, the items are a pretty average price for souvenirs, with the mini instruments costing 10 €.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for visitors to either stop by and take a quick look or come in and soak up the full experience. It is located on Calle dello Spezier, a four minute walk from Teatro La Fenice, or “The Phoenix”, a renowned grand opera house. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time, but the cost is still 0 € as it is at the door. The Museo della Musica is not as well known as other attractions in Venice, so it is typically not crowded at all. Guided tours are available upon request, and my one regret was not requesting one, because especially for people who are not musicians and don’t have a lot of background knowledge, a guided tour would provide more insight, explanation, and fascinating details on all the pieces of the collection you walk through admiring.
Although visiting a music museum isn’t at the top of many people’s lists in such a one-of-a-kind city like Venice because it is so easily overshadowed by other attractions, activities, and landmarks, the Museo della Musica is truly a hidden gem that should not be overlooked. For music enthusiasts as well as people who simply love experiencing history, art, and culture, and everyone in between, the Museo della Musica offers an enriching experience that brings music to life and keeps the tradition and spirits of Venetian culture alive.