Rossimoda Shoe Museum (Museo della Calzatura)

Footwear fanatics especially enjoy visiting the Rossimoda Shoe Museum (Museo della Calzatura), housed in the magnificent Villa Foscarini Rossi. Come to see the museum's 1,500-plus shoes on display, including examples of historic Venetian footwear and iconic styles from some of the biggest names in fashion.

The Basics
The Rossimoda Shoe Museum was inaugurated in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of the Rossimoda luxury shoe factory. Walk its permanent collection to see women’s couture footwear from the 1700s until today. The museum's location in 18th-century Villa Foscarini Rossi in Stra along the Brenta River means it's easy to visit as part of a day trip from Padua or Venice. Or, combine a trip with visits to historic Villa Pisani and Palladian Villas nearby.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Though it might be tempting to break out your fanciest pair, wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, especially if you visit as part of a multistop tour.
• Sections of the historic villa housing Rossimoda Shoe Museum are not accessible to wheelchairs.
• A visit to museum is a must for fashion addicts, but its historic Venetian footwear and the villa itself are fascinating even for those more interested in history than fashion.

How to Get There
The Rossimoda Shoe Museum is located near the village of Stra, about 20 minutes from Venice by car. Arriving by public transportation is complicated, so the best way to visit is on a small-group or private tour with included round-trip transportation.

When to Get There
The private museum is open from morning to early evening, Monday to Friday, with a one-hour closure at midday. Saturday and Sunday from April to October and on holidays, the museum is open in the afternoon through early evening. In August, the museum closes on Sundays. From November to March, the museum closes on weekends. The museum is also closed from Dec. 25 to Jan. 8. It's best to call ahead to confirm hours.

Highlights of the Rossimoda Shoe Museum
The museum houses two permanent collections. The first concentrates on haute couture footwear from 1947 onward, with designs by Fendi, Dior, Pucci, Givenchy, Celine, and Kenzo. The second focuses on rare Venetian footwear of the 1700s and 1800s. Prized displays include a Vera Wang shoe designed for Sharon Stone’s wedding and Yves Saint Laurent Pilgrim shoes worn by Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour. Shoe-themed artwork by Andy Warhol, Allen Jones, and Anselmo Anselmi adorns the walls.