Museo Storico Navale di Venezia — Attraction in Venice

Venice today cannot be understood without its historical naval power and its capacity to innovate, to develop, and to improve in the complexities of naval politics, naval war, and naval commerce. The museum has a wonderful collection of items and knowledge that could make it unique and a reference in the world...

But it is not, by far. The museum shouts for help and for a substantial reform sooner than later. The building amazing on seafront with a next to the flourishing and interesting rue Garibaldi is in very bad condition today -there are obvious humidity leaks on the walls of at least two floors-, and as much as the amazing views to the sea could easily be incorporated in the "naval" of the title, the building is instead closed and the windows are in poor state.

As a museum is also dated. The inventory references of the objects exhibited are more prominent than the story the objects might tell, which are often solely in Italian and unnecessarily wordy for a proper storytelling. It feels as if the museum -that counts with amazing material and layers of powerful stories to tell- has not explored the interesting possibilities of museum narratives and of museum techniques available today, in the field.

This is a pity, considering that it could use its 5 floors and that it is placed in Venice -no less!- a city with a world reference for creativity and innovation as the Biennale that brings together art (and museum) specialists from around the world on a regular basis.

I hope someone is working on improving it, because a museum of such an importance should deserve it! And it could be so cool !!!

(Also, the issues with the arsenal and the submarine -that seem to go with extra payment supplements that double the entry price- could be better sorted with proper...

Dear Naval Museum Administration,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment following a recent visit to the Naval Museum in Venice. My husband and I were looking forward to this experience, especially as he is a United States Marine Corps veteran with a personal and professional connection to naval history.

Unfortunately, our visit was made extremely uncomfortable by the behavior of one of your staff members, identified as Lorenzo. Throughout our time in the museum, Lorenzo followed us closely on every floor, maintaining a constant presence with what felt like surveillance rather than hospitality. We were the only visitors at the time, which made his conduct even more conspicuous and unsettling.

His demeanor was cold and unwelcoming. At one point, he implied we should not speak during our visit — an unreasonable and inappropriate expectation in a public space meant for learning and engagement. Rather than enhancing our experience, Lorenzo’s presence created an atmosphere of intimidation that overshadowed the entire visit.

We were genuinely excited to visit the museum, and this experience was not only disappointing but also disrespectful, especially to someone like my husband who served his country and was eager to connect with naval heritage. We left the museum feeling unwelcome and distressed, and we sincerely believe we did not receive the experience we paid for.

Given the circumstances, I respectfully request a refund for our tickets and urge you to address this situation internally to ensure future visitors are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope to hear...

After learning about the history of the Venetian Arsenale, I was eager to pay this museum a visit. And oh boy I wish I hadn't.

Frankly the only thing mildly appealing about this place is the place. Overlooking the lagune, this museum has a prime spot in Venice. Truly.

Now for the inside of the museum. If you are a naval-history-rookie like me, you will understand exactly nothing of the importance of the items displayed. The information supporting each piece is sparse, often poorly translated, and refers to vague people and vague events that I personally have never heard about before (look it's the boat in which captain so-and-so from event this-and-that was rescued after capsizing... wow).

The story-telling in this museum is entirely absent. Instead on focussing on telling the fascinating history of Venice as a naval society, the museum displays a looottt of miniatures, seashells (???), lots of flags and other military minutiae, mooore miniatures and a giant globe (the latter of which was honestly very cool).

And don't (DONT) get me started on the condition of the toilets. The toilet seat was brown (original colour: off-white).

It's €7.50 and 1 hour of my time I'd rather have spent differently in this beautiful city.

PS: please do visit the Arsenale itself....