so famous and coveted by all the wealthy of the world.

Attention is given to the raw materials employed, to their origins, to the tools and fuel, and to the different pigments. A world will be spent about the organization of work in a traditional factory – it remains the same today – as we shall later see during the second part of our tour – with the master and his helpers.

On the 2nd floor we’ll be welcomed by the most impressive room of Palazzo Giustinian, with its frescoed ceilings and huge chandeliers. A new display and illumination, interacting with the daylight, creates wonderful effects and helps appreciating the sophisticated grace of Renaissance and Baroque pieces.

Our In-depth Murano Glass History tour will start with the archaeological pieces, scenically displayed in dark cases, reminding the origins of glass and tracking the beginnings of this craft in the Lagoon, at the times when Venice traded in the Middle East. If you want to go deeper, we advise you to see this page from Victoria & Albert Museum.

The Golden Age of Murano glass started in the 15th century – from this period we can admire the magnificent ‘Barovier Cup’– reaching its apogee in the 16th and 17th centuries. Our eyes will be delighted by the timeless elegance of the filigrees and ‘reticello’ works. We’ll enjoy the bizarre Baroque creations.

More rooms are dedicated to the 18th century, a moment of great expansion and inventiveness in the history of Murano glass, when possessing it was a status symbol. It was the time in which Giuseppe Briati deviced the famous glass chandeliers, that, together with mirrors became a fundamental export for Venice.

An important section is dedicated to beads, starring a mesmerizing collection and also giving us the opportunity to describe the different techniques of production. Your guide will also point out the economical importance of Murano beads, a flourishing industry even in difficult periods of decline.

Great attention is given to the 20th century, when Murano glass arose the interest of international artists, architects and designers, who came to the Island in to learn and blend their creativity with the skills of the Murano glass masters. Vittorio Zecchin, Carlo Scarpa, Tapio Wirkkala, Yoiki Ohira, Dale Chihuly, and more.

Our historical tour continues…into the present

We stroll along the Murano Grand Canal and the Glass-makers Canal to reach our second venue, one of the most traditional glass factories, where we’ll experience today’s production, still in the path of tradition. The ‘maestro’, or master, is the undisputed leader of the ‘piazza’, the magic space where everything is created.

There will be some time to see the showrooms above, where the best of today’s Murano glass is proudly displayed. You will recognize some of the objects you just saw at the Museum! Our water-taxi will pick you up to go back to Venice. On the boat there will be still a few minutes for the last questions and curiosities.