A Jewel of Venetian Heritage

Since its opening in 1869, the library of the Querini Stampalia Foundation has become a study centre accessible on days when other Venetian libraries are closed. The library operates most days until midnight and remains open on Sundays and during many holidays to give students and scholars the opportunity to consult books and to study in the reading rooms in as wide a timeframe as possible.

The library is housed in the former residence of the Querini family, and in the rooms of the palace one can imagine Giovanni Querini receiving intellectuals and friends for discussions. It is the only institution in Venice that holds the entire heritage of an ancient and noble Venetian family.

Restoration

There is a need to renovate important aspects of the 17 rooms of the library: to reinforce the ceilings, restore the frescoes and stuccoes, improve the safety and efficiency of the electrical wiring, and stabilise the hardwood floors, for example.

Goals

• To preserve this unique historical heritage, to protect the library’s 19th century frescoes and stuccoes and preserve the hardwood floors.
• To preserve the integrity of the library and to keep the atmosphere found by 19th century scholars and readers.
• To increase the number of users of the library by 10%, from 65,000 to 71,000 a year.

By doing so, the project will keep the library open according to the founder’s will and promote awareness and understanding of the Querini’s heritage within the history of Venice.

The Fondazione Querini Stampalia has served the community and provided access to knowledge, arts, architecture and history since 1869, in particular thanks to the library, the museum and cultural events. Fondazione Querini Stampalia, established in 1869, is the only institution in Venice that holds the entire heritage of an ancient and noble Venetian family. Inside this Renaissance palace you can experience the emotion of art and beauty. You can see important works of art by Giovanni Bellini, Antonio Canova, Pietro Longhi and the elegant work of famous architects such as Carlo Scarpa and Mario Botta.