Mestre: Art, Squares and History

In Mestre, art and history can be explored from different perspectives. MUVEC – Casa delle Contemporaneità presents art from 1948 to the present day; the Emeroteca dell’Arte in Mestre is a place for the production of contemporary art. In addition, Piazza Erminio Ferretto is the heart of Mestre, and Forte Marghera has a history as a large fortress.

Art, Production and Residencies

At MUVEC, the time span is particularly clear: the art ranges from 1948 to the present day. This theme therefore connects the present with a longer historical perspective. If art is one of your interests, this date range can help you plan your trip.

The Emeroteca dell’Arte in Mestre is a place for the production of contemporary art. This shifts the emphasis compared with MUVEC: there, the focus is on presenting art from 1948 to the present day, while here it is on artistic production. This distinction can help you choose between a collection spanning a broad period and a place of production when planning your visit.

Since December 2024, the renovated former municipal Emeroteca has been home to ten artists in residence. They were selected through a public call by the Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa. Program details may continue to evolve. Thus, alongside art production, a specific residency program is also part of the cultural scene.

Square and Fortress Architecture

Piazza Erminio Ferretto is the heart of Mestre. Historic buildings, boutiques, cafés and restaurants surround the square. Its description therefore brings together architectural history, shopping and dining. This distinguishes this urban focal point from the themes of art production and collections.

Forte Marghera offers another perspective on architectural history. The large fortress was built by French and Austrian armies starting in the early 19th century. This construction began well before the period covered by MUVEC, which showcases art from 1948 to the present day. Different eras and subjects thus stand side by side: fortress architecture on the one hand, and art spanning several decades up to the present on the other. A fortress is a military fortification.

Getting to MUVEC

MUVEC can be reached from Venezia-Mestre railway station by bus number 2. From the stop beneath Hotel Plaza, the bus goes to the ex Ospedale stop. From there, walk along Via Antonio da Mestre to Piazzale Candiani. The journey therefore consists of a bus ride followed by a walk. Check the timetable before setting off, as public transport connections may change.

Discover more destinations: Trivignano, Zelarino, Giudecca, Marghera, Altino, Alberoni, Murano, Tessera.

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