Punta della Dogana Historical Timeline

Origins

The site has served as Venice's sea customs post since medieval times, positioned at the tip of Dorsoduro where incoming goods could be inspected before entering the Grand Canal or St. Mark's Basin.

Turning points

The building's current form dates to 1677-1682, when the Republic of Venice commissioned the architect Giuseppe Benoni to rebuild the customs house, giving it the long triangular footprint and the tower topped by a golden globe and weathervane figure that still mark the point today.

Influential people

The building's transformation from a working customs post into a contemporary art museum came under French collector François Pinault, whose foundation commissioned the Japanese architect Tadao Ando to convert the interior while preserving the historic brick and timber structure, reopening the building as a museum in 2009.

Cultural evolution

Punta della Dogana now operates alongside Palazzo Grassi, also owned by the Pinault Collection, as one of two linked contemporary art venues in Venice -- a modern counterpoint to the city's historic gallery collections.

Present-day significance

The building's tower and its bronze figures supporting a golden globe remain one of the most recognizable landmarks seen from the water approaching St. Mark's Basin, regardless of what exhibition is currently inside.