M9 – Museum of the 20th century: Entry Ticket

A century of change

M9 in Mestre explores the 20th century through Italy's experience of it: two world wars, economic miracles, social upheaval, cultural transformation, and the environmental challenges that followed. The museum uses interactive multimedia technology rather than traditional display cases, creating an experience that is more immersive than conventional history museums.

The exhibitions

The permanent exhibition covers Italian life across the entire 20th century. Interactive displays let you explore topics at your own pace: how Italians lived, worked, ate, travelled, and entertained themselves as the century progressed. Archive footage, personal testimonies, and data visualisations bring abstract historical trends down to human scale. The approach makes history accessible even to visitors with limited knowledge of Italian specifics.

The building

M9 occupies a purpose-built contemporary structure in the centre of Mestre, designed by the Berlin-based architects Sauerbruch Hutton. The colourful ceramic facade and modern interior provide a striking contrast to Venice's historic architecture across the lagoon. The museum building includes public spaces, shops, and a rooftop with views across Mestre.

Why Mestre

Mestre is Venice's mainland counterpart, where many Venetians actually live. Visiting M9 provides a counterpoint to the historic centre: contemporary architecture, modern Italian life, and a perspective on the 20th century that Venice's medieval and Renaissance focus does not cover. It is a short bus or train ride from Venice and easy to combine with a lagoon day.

Book your M9 Museum tickets

See Italy's 20th century come alive. Book your museum entry tickets today.