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The Punta della Dogana Art Museum Opens

Venice's newest contemporary art gallery opens to the public on Saturday, a day before the Venice Biennale kicks off.

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan's work rears into a brick wall beside Rachel Whiteread's installation "One Hundred Spaces 1995." The works will be on display during the opening of the Punta della Dogana on Saturday.

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan's work rears into a brick wall beside Rachel Whiteread's installation "One Hundred Spaces 1995." The works will be on display during the opening of the Punta della Dogana on Saturday.

Alberto Pizzoli-AFP/Getty Images

An aerial view of the Punta della Dogana reveals the gallery's prime location. The modern art museum was created from a disused customs house built in the 17th century at the entrance to Venice's Grand Canal.

An aerial view of the Punta della Dogana reveals the gallery's prime location. The modern art museum was created from a disused customs house built in the 17th century at the entrance to Venice's Grand Canal.

Alberto Pizzoli-AFP/Getty Images

The museum houses the vast collection of French businessman Francois Pinault, who already owns the Palazzo Grassi. Here, Pinault gestures during a ceremony for the opening of the Punta della Dogana art gallery on June 3.

The museum houses the vast collection of French businessman Francois Pinault, who already owns the Palazzo Grassi. Here, Pinault gestures during a ceremony for the opening of the Punta della Dogana art gallery on June 3.

Tony Gentile-REUTERS

"Train, Pig Island 2007," a work by American artist Paul McCarthy, will be on show during the opening of the Punta della Dogana. Venice's latest contemporary art gallery will open to the public on Saturday after nearly two years of building work and anticipation.

"Train, Pig Island 2007," a work by American artist Paul McCarthy, will be on show during the opening of the Punta della Dogana. Venice's latest contemporary art gallery will open to the public on Saturday after nearly two years of building work and anticipation.

Alberto Pizzoli-AFP/Getty Images

Another view of "untitled 2007" by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.

Another view of "untitled 2007" by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.

Alberto Pizzoli-AFP/Getty Images

Guards walk by artist Richard Price's work "untitled 2007."

Guards walk by artist Richard Price's work "untitled 2007."

Alberto Pizzoli-AFP/Getty Images

A detail of "A football match of June 14th, 2002" by Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping is pictured during the June 3 opening ceremony of the Punta della Dogana in Venice.

A detail of "A football match of June 14th, 2002" by Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping is pictured during the June 3 opening ceremony of the Punta della Dogana in Venice.

Alberto Pizzoli-AFP/Getty Images

A guard stands by German artist Thomas Schutte's "Efficiency Men 2005."

A guard stands by German artist Thomas Schutte's "Efficiency Men 2005."

Alberto Pizzoli-AFP/Getty Images

A visitor looks at "Kandors full set 2005-2009," a work by artist Mike Kelley on show during the opening of the Punta della Dogana.

A visitor looks at "Kandors full set 2005-2009," a work by artist Mike Kelley on show during the opening of the Punta della Dogana.

Alberto Pizzoli-AFP/Getty Images

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Chris Dunn Text Editor Stephanie Merry

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