VENICE—The Ca' Rezzonico museum in Venice apologized today after a security guard refused to let a Muslim woman wearing a veil enter. ANSA English Media Service reports that the woman wearing a niqab, a face covering that leaves only the eyes visible, was told by a security guard that she needed to remove the veil or remain outside for security reasons.

"It was a decision taken alone by the security guard, who made a serious mistake," said curator Filippo Pedrocco. "At Carnevale, for example, people who enter the museum wearing masks are asked to uncover their faces, but the rule has to be interpreted, and in this case the lady had every right to visit the museum."

The Ca' Rezzonico is housed in a palazzo on the Grand Canal and holds an extensive collection of 18th-century Venetian art.