What is there
to see?

Murano glass – or Murano glassmaking – is renowned worldwide. The museum on Murano Island houses an impressive collection of glass objects, tracing the evolution of Murano glass artistry across the centuries.

The Museo del Vetro primarily focuses on presenting the history and art of glassmaking and does not normally offer live demonstrations. Occasionally, however, the museum collaborates with other institutions to provide such experiences.

The glass pieces are displayed behind large glass cases in elegant rooms adorned with grand chandeliers. Feeling, even for a moment, like an elephant in a china shop is entirely normal here. 🙂

The term “glass museum” might sound dull, but it is anything but! It is genuinely fascinating and inspiring to see the range of glass artworks on display. The collection is diverse enough to tell its story without many words: ancient Roman glass, Venetian Renaissance glass, Baroque glass, Biedermeier glass, and contemporary glass creations.

Right at the start, a video projection and information panels explain the various techniques and skills of Murano glassmakers. Glassblowing – the technique most people know – is just one of many. There is also mosaic glass, filigree glass, and enamelled glass.

The skill and creativity required to produce these works never fail to amaze. I never imagined glass could be so remarkable.

Alongside the permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore particular aspects of glass art and history in greater depth. These exhibitions are an excellent opportunity to discover innovative works by contemporary glass artists. When we visited, the special exhibition “Cento anni di Nason Moretti” offered a colourful and elegant century-long journey through glass.

If you think the museum only displays glasses, vases, or bottles, think again! Murano glass is also used to make jewellery. Venice has a rich and multifaceted history in the art of glass beads, which was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2020. Thanks to another temporary exhibition, we could confirm that these beads are not only historically important but also stunning to behold.

Founded in 1861, the museum is one of the oldest of its kind. Its purpose has always been to preserve and showcase the island’s rich glassmaking history – and it continues to succeed in this mission to this day.