Located inside a traditional Venetian palace near St. Mark’s Square, the Gondola Gallery allows visitors to discover the history, craftsmanship and traditions behind the gondola. Inside the gallery, the story of Venice’s most famous boat is presented through historical objects, reconstructions and detailed images.

The secret of the Felze

At the entrance of the gallery, visitors are welcomed by a carefully reconstructed Felze. For centuries, this covered cabin allowed Venetian nobles to travel through the canals in complete privacy, hiding their identity while moving around the city. The Felze became one of the most recognizable elements of historical gondolas.

The tools of the Squero

Throughout the gallery, visitors can see authentic tools from the Squero, the traditional Venetian boatyard where gondolas are built. These tools were used by the craftsmen responsible for building gondolas through techniques passed down from generation to generation.

The cross-sectioned gondola

One of the most fascinating elements of the exhibition is the cross-sectioned gondola, which allows visitors to understand the unique engineering of this boat. Visitors can observe its flat bottom, designed for the shallow waters of the lagoon, and its famous asymmetrical shape, which allows a single gondolier to row while keeping the boat moving in a straight line.

Historical photos and decorative details

Throughout the gallery, historical photographs and finely carved decorations illustrate how gondolas were used in everyday Venetian life. These details help visitors understand how this traditional boat became one of the most recognizable symbols of Venice.