The palazzo was the residence from the 17th century of the San Stae branch of the Mocenigo family, one of the most important families of the Venetian patriciate, seven members of which became doges between 1414 and 1778. It is a large building of gothic origin extensively rebuilt at the beginning of the 17th century, when it attained its present appearance.

The collection is laid out in the rooms of the first piano nobile of the palazzo, with an ample selection of garments and accessories. As far as possible, the pieces are laid out in such a way as to illustrate changing tastes in both fashion and furnishings, underlining analogies in colour, line and decorative motif between these two related areas of design.
 
Mainly of Venetian origin, the garments and accessories are in "worked" fabrics which are often embellished with lace and embroidery. They are a fine illustration of the skill of those numerous artisans (weavers, tailors, lacemakers, embroiderers, etc.) who made such a contribution to that refined luxury and elegance for which the Venetians of the day were famous.