Mestre: Art, Fortress History and Piazza Erminio Ferretto

Mestre: Art, History and City Life

When choosing a place to stay in Mestre, it is worth looking at the destination’s different themes. Contemporary art, the history of a large fortress and Piazza Erminio Ferretto as the heart of Mestre each offer a different focus. Would you like to consider art as a theme, include historic buildings, or make a central square with boutiques, cafés and restaurants part of your plans? The places below offer practical guidance.

Art between Exhibition and Production

MUVEC – Casa delle Contemporaneità presents art from 1948 to the present day. This period, from 1948 to today, provides a clear timeframe if you are interested in art. Its scope makes the difference between an exhibition spanning a longer period and a focus on contemporary art production easy to grasp. This is a useful comparison for planning: art in Mestre can be viewed both in terms of exhibition and production.

Since December 2024, the renovated former municipal newspaper library has housed ten artists in residence. They were selected through a public call by the Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa. The specific number and selection process make this residency programme a clearly defined aspect of Mestre’s contemporary art scene. The Emeroteca dell’Arte in Mestre is a place for the production of contemporary art. Together with MUVEC, it creates a thematic contrast between exhibited art, artist residencies and production.

Fortress History and the Piazza

Forte Marghera is a large fortress built from the early 19th century onwards by French and Austrian armies. Its connection to several armies and its historical timeframe give the site a distinctive historical focus. The fortress therefore differs thematically from the art venues: its history as a fortification takes centre stage, while MUVEC and the Emeroteca focus on art.

Piazza Erminio Ferretto is the heart of Mestre. Historic buildings, boutiques, cafés and restaurants surround the square, giving it a different character from the art-focused destinations. For getting your bearings, the piazza’s central role comes together here with architecture, shops and dining. The square adds another perspective on Mestre to its art and history themes, centred on a central location and its surroundings.

Getting to MUVEC

You can reach MUVEC from Venezia-Mestre station by taking bus line 2. Board at the stop beneath Hotel Plaza and take the bus to the ex Ospedale stop. From there, walk along Via Antonio da Mestre to Piazzale Candiani. The journey can therefore be divided into two stages: first the bus ride from the station, then the walk to your destination. If you would like to include a museum visit in your stay, you can factor both stages into your day’s plans.

Mestre as a Destination for Your Hotel Search

When looking for hotels in Mestre, it may help to consider what you want from your stay: are you choosing the destination for its art and history, or is the piazza, with its central role, an important point of reference for you? The route to MUVEC also provides a practical reference point if you plan to visit the museum during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Giudecca, Dese, Alberoni, Favaro Veneto, Marghera, Murano, Tessera and Trivignano.

Go to the main travel overview: Venice.