Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice

Well, maybe things have changed, but when I was there, I just bought tickets at the entrance and went in. Its a nice collection of 20th century modernism, but its not the Orsay. Certainly no "crowds".

Wife and I just showed up (early June) and bought tickets with no line. We thought the collection was slightly underwhelming, but the open area right on the Grand Canal was a very cool place to hang out and watch the boats go by.

On a Rick Steves tour, we went in the late afternoon. From the terrace on the Grand Canal, the setting sun illuminates the buildings across the way spectacularly. One of my favorite memories of Venice.

I've been there twice. I really enjoy the collection and the space. Both times, two of us bought tickets at the desk when we arrived. First time, a couple of summers ago, no line, no crowd, no problem. Most recently, a rainy early afternoon this past January, there was a 15-minute line to buy tickets. (Maybe because it was cold and rainy people wanted to be inside, somewhere? Maybe because of the Jackson Pollack special exhibit?) The BIG crush, however, was at closing time, at the coat/bag check desk. The small lobby was absolutely packed with a mass of tired, pushing people. If you do check a coat or bag (and they are stern about the need to check backpacks and large purses), be sure to leave at least one hour before closing time. There are also some free small lockers; if one of those is available, use it instead of the coat/bag check desk.