The museum was founded in the 19th century through the will of Giovanni Querini Stampalia, who left the family's art and books collection to create an institution dedicated to "good studies." The medium-sized art collection, of 17 rooms, is concentrated on sixteenth and seventeen Venetian art, with good baroque and rococo selections from Cervelli, Creti, Da Lanciano, Giordano, Langetti, Longhi -- a very interesting group of seven paintings illustrating the Sacraments -- Ricci, Strozzi, Tiepolo and Tintoretto. There are several other masterworks in this somewhat esoteric collection: from the Giambano of 1420 and the beautiful Bellini from 1460 to the Joseph Kosuth installation in neon from 1997. A quieter, calmer experience that most Venetian museums. Very enjoyable visit without the crowds.