Accademia Galleries: Tickets and Tours

Perched at the edge of Venice’s Grand Canal is the impressive complex of 12th-century buildings that make up Santa Maria della Carita. These walls house the world’s largest collection of Venetian art.

Take in works from the Byzantine to Rococo periods that capture biblical stories, Greek and Roman myths, and historical scenes at the Accademia Galleries.

Spy portraits, sculptures, sketches and landscapes that chronicle Italy’s artistic evolution over 600 years. Accademia Galleries tickets allow you to immerse yourself in centuries of art from some of Italy’s most renowned artists in buildings that are art themselves.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Accademia Galleries, including information on tickets and tours at one of the most exciting museums in Venice.

How much do Accademia Galleries tickets cost?

Adult tickets for the Accademia are €15 per person. Visitors under the age of 18 can enter for free.

Are there any discounts?

Members of the European Union aged 18 to 25 can purchase tickets for €2 through the 18app.

Who is eligible for free entry?

All visitors with disabilities and those under 18 can visit for free. Entrance to the museum is free on the first Sundays of every month.

There are additional free entrance days on certain local and national holidays. Check the “Ministero della Cultura” website for information about free holiday entrance.

Why should I book in advance?

It is wise to book your Accademia Galleries tickets in advance. Booking tickets with a tour allows you to skip long lines. You can purchase advance tickets either at the museum’s official website or by phone.

What are the best Accademia Galleries tours?

Self-guided audio tours

If you’re an independent-minded traveler or are watching your budget, a self-guided audio tour of the Accademia is a great option.

For just €6 per person, you access an audio guide to hear all about the many compositions in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese or Italian.

Private tours

Get the VIP treatment with a 2-hour private Accademia tour for you and your group. No question will go unanswered with a guide reserved just for you. While private tours are more costly than other tours, they can be very affordable for large groups.

Are there any combined tickets or tours of the Accademia Galleries with other attractions?

Accademia Galleries plus Sestiere Dorsoduro private tours

Spend 2 hours among some of Venice’s most beautiful creations. Join a licensed guide on an 80-minute tour of the Accademia Galleries followed by a 40-minute walk through the Sestiere Dorsoduro.

Sestiere Dorsoduro, the charming neighborhood surrounding the Accademia Galleries, is home to the Campo San Margherita and the Campo San Barnaba. Pause for photo ops of the Grand Canal on the Fondamenta Zattere dock and the Punta della Dogana.

What will you see inside?

The Accademia Galleries’ collections date from the 12th to the 19th centuries and are spread over two floors. Get to know hundreds of pieces that are organized by time period. Older works from the 1300s to 1600 are found on the first floor, and pieces from the 1600s to 1880 are displayed on the ground floor.

You’ll see Renaissance masterpieces by Tintoretto, Giorgione and Carpaccio. Enjoy landscapes by 17th-century painters Canaletto and Longhi. Marvel at the collection of sculptures by Antonio Canova, and don’t forget to absorb the architecture and decor of the museum itself.

Visitors flock to see “Pieta” and “St John the Baptist,” by Titian, “Crucifixion,” by Tintoretto and “Madonna and Saints,” by Bellini. If you’re lucky, you may have a chance to witness DaVinci’s “Vitruvian Man,” only displayed occasionally due to its value and fragility.

Where are the Accademia Galleries and how do I get there?

The Accademia Galleries are located just over 1 kilometer from the Piazza San Marco. The quickest route is a walk of about 15 minutes that involves climbing several sets of stairs.

There is also a wheelchair-friendly route on the Vaporetto water bus. Take board the water bus at S. Marco Vallaresso “A” for about 5 minutes and get off at the Accademia “B” stop.

What are the opening times?

The Accademia Galleries are open from 8:15 AM to 7:15 PM on Tuesday through Sunday with the last ticket sales at 6:15 PM. On Mondays, the museum is open from 8:15 AM to 2 PM with the last ticket sales at 1 PM. The museum is closed on December 25 and January 1.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Most areas in the Accademia Galleries are wheelchair friendly. There are areas that are still in the process of being adapted for accessibility. Wheelchair accessible entry is at the right side of the museum.

Ask museum staff to provide you with the most accessible routes through the galleries upon arrival, and routes are also shown on museum maps.

When is the best time to visit the Accademia Galleries?

The best times to visit the Accademia Galleries in Florence and avoid crowds are early weekday mornings right at opening (around 8:15 AM) or late afternoons closer to closing.

Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Friday, are less busy than weekends. Arriving early grants a serene experience with fewer visitors, and weekdays ensure a more peaceful atmosphere compared to peak tourist times.

Which other museums can be visited in Venice?

• Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• Leonardo Da Vinci Muse

Travel tips

• To avoid crowds, plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the gallery is usually less crowded.
• Remember to carry your ID card and reservation/voucher if required for entry. This helps streamline your entry process.
• Purchase tickets online to avoid long queues and secure your spot. It's often more convenient and may offer discounted rates.
• Large bags and backpacks might not be allowed inside. Consider bringing a smaller bag and checking bag regulations in advance.
• Follow the gallery's guidelines regarding photography, touching artwork, and maintaining a respectful distance from the exhibits.