Cafes in front of these buildings are expensive but favored meeting places for tourists. The Doges' Palace, featured in many paintings, was built as a residence for early Venetian rulers. Superb artworks may be seen throughout Venice. The Academy of Fine Arts has an wonderful collection of paintings, including works by such Venetian masters as Titian and Tintoretto. The largest theatre in Venice, the Fenice, presents operas and plays.
Many students attend Venice's schools of art, architecture, and music.
During winter storms, floodwaters sweep through the islands, damaging buildings. Water is also weakening the foundations of Venice's buildings, air pollution is eroding the buildings, as well as many of the city's outdoor art treasures. The Italian government restricted the use of water from the city's underground wells. Water pressure then built up under the islands, and the city stopped sinking.