Giorgio Cini Foundation: Tickets and Tours

Within view of Venice sits San Giorgio Maggiore Island, a tranquil escape from the buzzing city. The island was once home to Benedictine monks, and the calm, contemplative atmosphere still remains.

After the unexpected death of his son Giorgio, Vittorio Cini established the Giorgio Cini Foundation on the island, and a sense of reverence is palpable here.

The foundation helped a father channel his grief into preserving some of Italy’s rich heritage. The foundation shelters countless volumes of books, priceless artwork, medieval structures and 21st-century additions.

Giorgio Cini Foundation tickets grant you access to this special world dedicated to the promotion and protection of Italian culture.

Here's everything you should know about the Giorgio Cini Foundation, one of the most exciting museums in Venice.

How much are Giorgio Cini Foundation tickets?

Tickets to tour the Cini Foundation complex are €13 per person. Reduced-price tickets are €5 per person. There is a separate fee to visit the woods and Vatican chapels or the Borges Labyrinth. Admittance to each is €13 per person or €5 per person who is eligible for reduced prices.

Who is eligible for discounts?

Children ages 6 to 14 and people ages 65 and above are eligible for discounts. Children ages 5 and under can visit for free.

Why should I book in advance?

It’s necessary to book your tour of the Giorgio Cini Foundation in advance. You must have a specific time slot reserved for your visit.

What are the most popular Giorgio Cini Foundation tours?

Cini Foundation audio tours

Enter the ancient structures once reserved for religious devotees. Follow an attendant on a tour of the former monastery while you listen to an audio guide available in several languages. Tours last about 2 hours.

Cini Foundation audio tours plus Vatican Chapels

Take advantage of a package deal that saves a bit of cash and extends your island visit beyond the monastery walls. Enjoy a tour of the buildings, views of the Borges Labyrinth and a wander in the woods to discover the modern Vatican Chapels and the Green Theater.

What will I see inside?

The buildings of San Giorgio Maggiore Island seem to rise straight from the Venetian lagoon. The approach by water bus or taxi affords photo-worthy views that will build your anticipation.

Step onto land and into the Giorgio Cini Foundation. The foundation complex resides in a Benedictine monastery dating back to 982 AD. The buildings have been faithfully maintained and adapted to fit the foundation’s needs.

The majestic Longhena staircase greets you with its stone balustrades, tile work and statuary. Pause for a meditative moment in the Palladio and Buora Cloisters, interior green spaces dating to the 16th century.

See where monks once slept in the dormitory-turned-library, the Nuova Manica Lunga. Step inside the Palladian Refectory to spy a reproduction of Veronese’s  “The Wedding in Cana.”

Throughout the complex you’ll notice countless statues and paintings of biblical figures. Among the artwork are pieces by Titian, Boticelli and Luca Signorelli. From points in the monastery, take in the sight of the Borges Labyrinth, a maze created from over 3,000 boxwood plants.

If you choose a tour that takes you into the woods, a striking contrast to the medieval monastery awaits you. Follow shaded paths to the Vatican chapels, a set of 10 innovative chapels designed this century by international architects. Meander among wooden constructions, open-air spaces and angular creations.

Also found in the woods is the Green Theater, a space lauded as the most beautiful theater in the world by Katherine Hepburn. The open-air theater boasts 1,400 square meters of space on its hexagonal surface. Spectators can immerse themselves in a show from seats in several curved sections.

How to get there?

Reach the Foundation on San Giorgio Maggiore Island by water bus. Take ACTV Line 2. From the San Zaccaria stop, it is a 3-minute ride. From the Ferrovia, Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto stops, the ride is about 40 minutes. Begin your tour at the San Giorgio Cafe.

What are the opening hours?

The Giorgio Cini Foundation is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the Giorgio Cini Foundation is wheelchair friendly.

When is the best time to visit the Giorgio Cini Foundation?

The best time to visit the Giorgio Cini Foundation is during the weekdays, especially in the early morning.

Additionally, visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring from April to June and, autumn from September to October can help avoid the peak tourist crowds, allowing for a more serene and immersive experience within this cultural institution.

Which other museums can be visited in Venice?

• Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
• Ca' Rezzonico Museum

Travel tips

• Compare ticket prices online to potentially find discounted rates or exclusive deals. Booking online in advance can save both time and money.
• Don't forget to carry your ID and any required reservation or voucher for entry.
• Prioritize a smaller bag as large backpacks or bags may not be allowed inside. Be mindful of the bag regulations to ease your visit.
• If you have bags or items to store, check if the Giorgio Cini Foundation offers locker facilities. This will ensure the safety of your belongings during your visit.
• Consider exploring other attractions nearby, like the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, to make the most of your visit. The Giorgio Cini Foundation is situated in a cultural hub.