The archive and library preserve books and theatrical studies with original manuscripts (more than 30,000). 
Ca' Centani, or Centanni, better know as Carlo Goldoni’s house, was erected in the XV century and preserves  the Gothic architectural features of the time in Venice. 
The entrance from calle dei Nomboli is quite interesting (besides the triptych façade with four light window, on the canal), and introduces into a courtyard by way of an external staircase with two flights of stairs and a parapet decorated with Istrian-marbled columns.

Originally owned by the Rizzo family, it was successively rented by the Centanni family and in this period (XVI century) hosted an art and literature academy. 
Finally, at the end of the XVII century, Goldoni’s grandfather, Carlo Alessandro, came to live here as a noble from Modena.  The family lived here till 1719 and Carlo was born on 25 February 1707. 
In 1914 Aldo Ravà, scholar, Count Piero Foscari and Commendatore Antonio Pellegrini purchased the palace from the last owner, Countess Ida Manassero Camozzo; the idea was that of transforming it into a museum dedicated to all Italian drama in honour of the famous comedy writer. 
The project was stopped by the outbreak of war, and in 1931, Cà Centanni was donated to the City of Venice which restored and, modified the original idea, making it into a museum about Goldoni and his studies.  The new war slowed down restoration works, which ended only in 1953. 
In the same year, in June, the house was opened to the public and displayed ancient theatrical equipment.  The main focus was, however on the study centre and the constant enlargement of the library and archive.

Useful Information:

Address: San Polo 2794 - calle dei Nomboli
Telephone: 0412759325
Fax: 0412440081
Times: April-October: Monday to Saturday 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.. November-March: Monday-Saturday 10.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. (last entrance half an hour beforehand). Closed on: 25 December, 1st January, 1st May
Entrance: € 2.50/€ 1.50, Museum Pass € 15,50/ € 10
Services easy access, archive, photographic archive, didactic activities, library, book shop, museum publications, shop, guided tour
E-mail: mkt.musei@comune.venezia.it
Site: www.museiciviciveneziani.it
Actv transport lines: number 1, boat stop San Tomà