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The star of the marvellous natural history museum is a 3.6-m (12-ft) tall and 7-m (23-ft) long skeleton of the dinosaur Ouranosauris nigeriensis , discovered in the Sahara Desert by the explorer Giancarlo Ligabue. Don’t miss the new acquarium.

Flamboyant Spanish artist and theatrical stage designer Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo (1871–1950) adopted Venice as his home and muse, and transformed this ponderous 15th-century palace in Gothic-Venetian style into an exotic atelier. Although restoration is on-going, a number of rooms are open for temporary exhibitions. In the near future visitors will be able to admire Fortuny’s sumptuous velvets, renowned the world over, his famous pleated silk dresses, lamps, paintings, a remarkable stage curtain and fascinating 19th-century photographs.

Easily the best city museum for children, this three-floor haven of shipbuilding includes Chinese junks and exhibits from World War II, such as the famed torpedoes guided by Italian Navy divers, responsible for sinking British warships (see Museo Storico Navale).

An efficient US company that manages a vast spectrum of 34 modest and luxurious apartments in Venice with room for up to seven occupants. All are personally inspected.

Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Elton John have all happily spent time (and more) in this plush boutique of glittering marvels. Three generations of craftsmen have thrilled those who can afford it with breathtaking pieces, such as their blackamoor brooch in ruby and gold or diamond and platinum.

This refined osteria does variations on the area’s seasonal cuisine. A local favourite is Baccalà alla Vicentina , dried salt cod stewed in milk.