The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is an art museum located on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. It is housed in the 18th-century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, home of the American heiress, art collector and patron Peggy Guggenheim for three decades. In 1951, she began displaying her private collection of modern art to the public seasonally. After her death in 1979, the collection passed to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, which opened it year-round from 1980. The museum features works by prominent Italian futurists, American modernists, and sculptors, making it one of the most visited attractions in Venice. Notably, Peggy Guggenheim’s collection includes pieces by artists like Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso.
Highlights of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Marino Marini’s “Angel of the City” (1948): A sculpture that greets visitors upon entry, depicting a man astride his horse, exuding the joy of living in Venice.
- Giorgio de Chirico’s “The Red Tower” (La Tour Rouge) (1913): An iconic Italian work that captures de Chirico’s metaphysical style.
- Salvador Dalí’s “Birth of Liquid Desires” (1931–32): A surrealistic masterpiece by the Spanish artist.
- Jackson Pollock’s “Alchemy” (1947): A dynamic abstract expressionist painting.
- Joan Miró’s “Seated Woman II”: A vibrant and whimsical creation.
- Pablo Picasso’s “The Poet” and “On the Beach”: Two distinct works by the legendary artist.
- Alexander Calder’s “Arc of Petals” (1941): A captivating mobile sculpture.
- Max Ernst’s “The Kiss” and “Attirement of the Bride”: Surrealist gems.
- Fernand Léger’s “Study of a Nude” and “Men in the City”: Representations of urban life.
- René Magritte’s “Empire of Light”: A dreamlike exploration of light and shadow.
- Alberto Giacometti’s “Woman with Her Throat Cut” and “Woman Walking”: Evocative sculptures.
- Wassily Kandinsky’s “Landscape with Red Spots, No. 2, White Cross”: An abstract composition.
- Francis Picabia’s “Very Rare Picture on Earth”: A provocative piece.
- Constantin Brâncuși’s “Bird in Space” (1932–40): A sleek sculpture.
- Jean Metzinger’s “Au Vélodrome”: A Cubist exploration.
A History of the Collection
The collection owes its existence to the remarkable life and passion of Peggy Guggenheim, an American heiress and art enthusiast. Here’s how it all unfolded.
After World War II, Peggy Guggenheim settled in an 18th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice. This palazzo, known as the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, became her home for three decades. Peggy had an extraordinary eye for modern art and began amassing a remarkable collection. Her passion led her to acquire works by prominent artists, both in Europe and America.
Between 1938 and 1946, Peggy collected artworks “in dizzying succession,” even as World War II raged. She discovered talents like Jackson Pollock during her art-buying spree. Her collection included pieces from various genres, such as cubism, surrealism, and abstract expressionism. It showcased the avant-garde movements of the 20th century.
During her 30-year residence in Venice, Peggy exhibited her collection at her home in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. She also organized special exhibitions in cities like Amsterdam, Zürich, London, Stockholm, Copenhagen, New York, and Paris. Europeans got their first exposure to abstract expressionism through Peggy’s exhibitions.
In 1979, Peggy Guggenheim passed away, leaving behind her extraordinary collection. She donated her entire collection to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. From 1980 onwards, the collection was opened year-round to the public, transforming the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni into the renowned Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Today, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection continues to enchant visitors, making it one of the most visited sites in Venice.
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