The connection between the Library of St. Mark’s and the Senate of Venice is rooted in the city’s history. The Library was established in 1468 by Doge Cristoforo Moro, who wanted to create a library for scholars and students alike to access books and other documents related to law, philosophy, science, and more. At that time, the Senate was responsible for much of the government affairs of Venice.
In 1538, the Senate approved funds for construction on what would become known as Biblioteca Marciana di San Marco (Library of St. Mark). The new building included several rooms devoted to storing books from different disciplines such as theology, law, natural sciences and medicine. This collection grew rapidly over time due to donations from patrons like Pope Pius V and wealthy merchants from throughout Europe.
Over time these two institutions became even more closely intertwined when members of both institutions collaborated on projects such as public works or reform laws aimed at improving life in Venice. As such they remain important symbols today representing Venetian culture’s commitment to education and knowledge sharing across multiple disciplines while still being deeply connected with its political history through its relationship with the Senate.