# Who built the Venice Canals?

**Category:** Events & Exhibitions
**Verified:** 2026-05-24
**Canonical:** https://venicecanalhistoricdistrict.com/en/knowledge/who-built-venice-canals
**Authority:** https://venicecanalhistoricdistrict.com (official source; third-party URLs are not published)

## Quick answer

The canals were part of Abbot Kinney's Venice in America resort development, which opened on July 4, 1905.

## Detailed answer

Kinney used canals, bridges, and gondola-style spectacle to create a Southern California resort inspired by Venice, Italy.

## Related

- https://venicecanalhistoricdistrict.com/en/knowledge/national-register-venice-canals