The History of the Foundation

The history of the Querini Stampalia Foundation is linked to the events of the family of the same name and, in particular, its last descendant: Count Giovanni. 

Giovanni Querini in 1868 bequeathed his entire family estate to the city of Venice: movable and immovable property, art collections and book collections, so that they would become of public use. 

The Foundation is “apt to promote the praise of good studies, and useful disciplines” (Statutes 1999, p. 24).

In his will of 11 December 1868, the Count not only opened up the palace to society, but also added a Reading Cabinet on the first floor and the Library.

"[...] after my death, my Library, Gallery, Medal Collection, Art Objects placed in my Palace in S. Zaccaria will become of public use. A Reading Room will be joined to the same on the first floor of my palace in the rooms inhabited by me."

‘The Reading Cabinet and the Library will remain open [...] constantly on all those days and hours when public libraries are closed, and in the evening especially for the convenience of scholars, who will be placed [...] in a nearby, beautiful, comfortable room [...]’.

 The 1868 bequest outlines the Foundation's ever-present mission: to be a place of discussion, attentive to change.

Today the Institute is particularly active in the areas of contemporary art, transmission of the history of Venice, librarianship, training of cultural workers and educational activities. 

To make the space more accessible and suitable for its new function, it underwent numerous structural interventions over time.

Already in the 18th century, the Querini building underwent a radical renovation, but it was in the second half of the 20th century that its layout was consolidated thanks to the designs of Carlo Scarpa, Valeriano Pastor and Mario Botta.