The many meandering canals of Venice and the city's history as the capital of the Venetian Republic, which existed for more than 1,000 years, are the subject of this exploration of the famous Italian city's past.

From the 7th-17th century, the Venetian Republic amassed an enormous amount of wealth through trade, allowing it to develop into a naval power that captured and controlled municipalities far from its capital's shores. Venice itself became a cultural haven, rich in architecture, art and literature, all of which continue to make the city the tourist mecca it is today.

During the republic's rise, Venice's economic might and influential schools made it a desirable location for artists to settle, many of whom, such as Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto and Vittore Carpaccio, became great masters. This exhibition presents 140 works as well as numerous artifacts that offer an illustrated history of the republic's rise and fall; till Dec. 11.

Edo-Tokyo Museum; (03) 3626-9974; 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku; 5-min walk from JR Ryogoku Station, Sobu line; 1-min walk from A4 Exit of Ryogoku Station, Toei Oedo line. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Sat. till 7:30 p.m.). ¥1,300. Closed Mon. (open Sept. 19, closed Sept. 20). www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp.