We tested two demonstrations
Murano glass factory show
We tested two demonstrations
Murano glass factory show
We tested two glassblowing shows
Murano Glass: Art and Craft
In September 2024, I finally made it to the small island of Murano, just a 20-minute boat ride from Venice on the ACTV service.
The island is entirely devoted to glass and the art of glassblowing. Everything here revolves around it – around 90% of the shops sell these exquisite glass creations, and there are live demonstrations as well as a dedicated glass museum.
It’s easy to get a little overwhelmed at the demonstrations… Which “show” is the best? Where will you learn the most? Which one should you go to?
We attended two demonstrations and put together a handy overview for you!
Enjoy reading!
Céline
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demonstrations
The Positives and Negatives
Positive: At the end of the day, you don’t really spend anything. You’re in a proper, working glass workshop.
Negative: You do have to walk through the sales area at the end. But don’t worry – there’s no pressure to buy anything!
So, what does that actually mean?
The ticket costs a reasonable EUR 10, but you receive the exact same EUR 10 as a voucher to spend in the shop. I found that quite a pleasant surprise.
You are guided through the showroom, which displays some truly (very) expensive glass pieces. Even with the EUR 10 voucher, you may well end up spending a little more… If you’re visiting as a pair, that’s EUR 20 to spend, so you could theoretically treat yourself to something bigger!
But that’s not the only reason I rank Vetreria Artistica Colleoni as number one.
Yes, the ticket price is very reasonable, and you receive a glass item in return, but the presentation is also excellent.
Here, you are in a genuine glass factory with an adjoining showroom. Everything the glassblowers create eventually ends up for sale. We were guided by a lady fluent in both Italian and English, who explained everything and answered all our questions.
The glassblowers were fascinating to watch, and everything felt entirely authentic. The two young men (they may not always be the same) produced beautiful pieces in a very short time – just 20 minutes – including a glass horse that was completed in no time at all. Watching it come to life was genuinely awe-inspiring. I also loved the charming way the finished pieces were presented to the audience.
At the time, I didn’t realise the EUR 10 would come back to me as a voucher, so I left too little tip. Don’t make the same mistake! 😉
Glassblowing Demonstration 1
Vetreria Artistica Colleoni
The Positives and Negatives
Positive: The location is breathtaking, you receive a glass of prosecco – all for EUR 14, and you are right up close to the action. The walls themselves are steeped in history!
Negative: Although you are close to the glassblowers, all the information came via a pre-recorded audio track, which didn’t really reach me. The glassblower seemed rather uninterested, and in the end, the piece was returned to the furnace (apparently the storage is already full).
So, what does that actually mean?
We were visiting a church! Santa Chiara Murano has been restored and adapted specifically for this purpose.
The Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara is one of the oldest buildings on the island. It is said that humble nuns, esteemed Doges, and even Casanova once sat within these walls.
The church predates Murano’s glassmaking fame (before 1291) and was originally called San Nicolo della Torre. Augustinian monks first resided here, followed by Benedictine nuns in the 14th century, who were eventually sent away for scandalous behaviour. Later, Franciscan nuns of Santa Chiara moved in, giving the church its current name.
During Napoleon’s era, the church was deconsecrated and repurposed for industrial use. In 1826, a glass manufacturer, Fratelli Marietti Milan, acquired it and turned it into a factory producing wine bottles, window panes, and mirrors.
By the late 20th century, the building had become so dilapidated that it could no longer be used.
It wasn’t until 2012 that the Belluardo family purchased the property and decided to restore it as an event space. The reconstruction took four years, with careful consultation from historians and architects, and the original materials were used wherever possible.
Today, alongside daily glass demonstrations, the restored space is available for celebrations such as weddings, and it regularly hosts masked balls and corporate events.
→ As you can see, the history is fascinating, and the ambience is absolutely beautiful. That’s why visiting this glass workshop was high on my list.
Unfortunately, the demonstration itself fell a little flat. The fact that all the information came from a recording was disappointing, and the glassblower’s lack of enthusiasm didn’t help. With a more animated master, however, I’m sure it would have been a completely different experience – perhaps your visit will be luckier! 😀
Glassblowing Demonstration 2
The Glass Cathedral
Glassblowing Demonstration 3
Gino Mazzuccato
I didn’t attend this particular glass demonstration myself, but I wanted to mention it here. According to GetYourGuide (see image above), it is the highest-rated show. It may not have been booked as frequently as the other two, but with 4.6 stars, it consistently comes up at the top.
Here’s why it’s worth noting:
Some visitor feedback includes:
“A very impressive demonstration by the glassblower. Clear explanations in English, French, or Italian. The glass gift was much larger than expected: each participant received a large Murano glass horse – amazing!” – August 2024, Kathrin from Germany, 5 stars
“Perfect for children. Not too long, simple explanations, and everyone was very kind to my daughter. She got to choose the colours and was over the moon. She loved the gift the most. Thank you!” – July 2024, Antonella from Austria, 5 stars
“The guide was really good and spoke English, which was helpful. The demonstration was really cool to watch and worth it for €15 [now €30]. They also give a glass horse as part of it.” – September 2024, Citrameeran from the UK, 5 stars
We’re planning to try this one ourselves on our next visit to Murano!
Glassblowing Demonstration
Keep Your Eyes Open!
Perhaps it was a coincidence, or maybe the doors are always open, or perhaps there are more of these open workshops on Murano.
As I was walking from my first demonstration to the second, I noticed a few Asian women peering through an open gate. Curious, I looked too – and there it was: a glassblowing workshop in full swing. No show, just real work. 😉
It was a lovely little surprise, but you can’t really count on stumbling across it. That’s why I recommend booking a proper demonstration in advance.
Yours,
Céline
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2024–2026
With permission of the Vetreria Artistica Colleoni.
With permission of the Glass Cathedral.
