Museo Canova

About the museum

The museum is in Possagno, the town where Antonio Canova was born in 1757. After the sculptor's death, his half-brother Giovanni Battista Sartori, bishop of Mindo, wanted the plaster casts and models kept in the sculptor's Roman studio in via delle Colonnette to be brought back to the town. The transfer began in 1829, and to house them a large hall with a basilica plan, designed by Francesco Lazzari, was built between 1834 and 1836. The first display was completed in 1844, and in 1853 Sartori handed the buildings and collections over to the Comune di Possagno.

In 1917, during the First World War, bombing destroyed or damaged several plaster casts and also hit the building. After the works were restored, the Gipsoteca reopened in 1922. During the Second World War the statues were sheltered in the nearby Tempio, where they remained until 1946.

In 1957 the architect Carlo Scarpa extended the building with a new wing that arranges the works on several levels and lights them with natural light from above. A further extension in 1992, the Ala Gemin, hosts events and exhibitions.

The complex now also includes the artist's birth house, with paintings, drawings, prints, some marbles, work tools and personal objects, as well as the historical archive and the library. The museum is run by the Fondazione Canova.

Highlights

• Original plaster casts of the models from which Canova's marbles were carved
• Carlo Scarpa's 1957 wing, with sculptures displayed under natural light
• Canova's birth house, with the room where he was born
• Plaster cast of Adonis Garlanded by Venus
• Historical archive and library with the artist's correspondence and account books

Permanent exhibitions

• Gypsotheca e Ala Scarpa – Canova's original plaster models, displayed in the nineteenth-century hall and in Carlo Scarpa's extension.
• Casa natale – Paintings, drawings, prints, work tools and personal objects of the artist, with the birth room on the first floor.

Founded

1832

Operated by

Fondazione Canova

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for holders of the Member Card, teachers accompanying school groups and teachers from the province of Treviso, accredited journalists, ICOM members, residents of Possagno and holders of the Passaporto dei Musei della Pedemontana Trevigiana. For extraordinary openings or special visits, prices may vary.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchairs and pushchairs enter through the main door. At the ticket office there are two steps; on request, staff open direct access from Piazza Canova. The museum has no lift, and the rooms have no seating (only the garden and the portico). Accessible toilets are on the ground floor, across the garden. A free tactile tour is available for groups, with tactile busts; guided tours with a LIS interpreter are available by reservation; early admission at 9:00 for autistic visitors; information in Braille and large print; and magnifying glasses at the bookshop.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities

One-hour family guided tour on the first Saturday of the month (free) and every Sunday at 16:00 (€5 per person, children free); treasure hunt with an illustrated map and creative workshops on the third Saturday of the month from October to June. Booking is required for tours and workshops. Baby-changing facilities in the toilets.

Getting there & parking

By car from the A4 Venice–Trieste motorway, Vicenza Nord exit, or from the A13, Padua exit. Nearest railway stations: Cornuda (about 15 minutes by car), Bassano del Grappa (about 25 minutes) and Castelfranco Veneto (about 30 minutes).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available

Bookshop at the ticket office. Left luggage not available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit