The Civic Museum of the Southern Lagoon is an archaeological and ethnographic museum focused on the lagoon, housed in the former Convent of San Francesco outside the walls. The first structure of the building dates back to 1315, while the second, after its destruction during the war between Venetians and Genoese (1378-1381), dates to 1434. In 1806, the convent was deconsecrated and from that moment on it took on various functions: in 1808 it became a military warehouse; later it was used as a fruit and vegetable warehouse at the end of World War I. In the last post-war period, the complex became a refuge for evacuees and finally, until a few decades ago, it was adapted as a garage for local buses. The Civic Museum has been operational since May 31, 1997, thanks to the support of the European Union.
The Museum is spread over three floors and collects archaeological evidence found in Chioggia dating back to various historical periods. The top floor features an exhibition on local seamanship and shipbuilding from the 1700s to the present day.
The Museum is equipped with a classroom available for events and activities with schools, as well as a conference room. From the Museum, it is possible to access the cloister and the garden. Moreover, on the occasion of temporary exhibitions, visitors can also explore the exhibition hall located to the right of the Museum entrance.
