Venice, a city brimming with art, offers a wealth of experiences beyond the usual tourist paths. Critic Jason Farago highlights five essential stops for art lovers.

First, the Gallerie dell'Accademia presents a comprehensive survey of Venetian painting, featuring masterpieces by Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto. It's a crucial starting point for understanding the city's artistic legacy.

Next, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection offers a starkly different, yet equally vital, perspective. Housed in Guggenheim's former home, it showcases modern art from the 20th century, including works by Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock.

For contemporary art, Punta della Dogana and the Palazzo Grassi, both operated by the Pinault Collection, are indispensable. These venues host rotating exhibitions of some of the most significant artists working today.

Finally, Farago recommends seeking out the lesser-known churches, such as the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, which houses an extraordinary cycle of paintings by Tintoretto, providing an intimate and powerful encounter with Renaissance art.