Venice · VENETIAN MASK AND CARNIVAL WORKSHOPS
You go in with a raw papier-mâché blank and come out with something you painted. The 7 workshops below differ on how long they run, whether gold leaf is included, and how many people share the bench.
Choose a paper-mâché mask, learn Venetian Carnival traditions, and decorate it with guidance from artisans such as Giorgio, Nicolo, or Petra. You will use paints, glitter, and decorative details, then take your finished mask home. Small groups and several languages are available.
“My daughter was sad to not have the cat mask option as shown on display, but we had an overall great time!”
In a small workshop near Saint Mark’s Square, a Venetian artisan such as Giorgio, Nicola, or Alvis introduces Carnival mask traditions, then guides you through painting and decorating a papier-mâché mask. You keep your finished piece. The class lasts about 75 minutes and is offered in English.
“The mask making was fun. The person that teaches it is also an authentic multigenerational amazing mask designer himself. Definitely recommend”
At Carta Alta’s small Giudecca studio, Augusto and his team guide you through the history of Venetian masks, from Bauta to Dottore della Peste. Choose a paper-mache mask, decorate it with baroque details, and take home your own creation after 1.5 hours.
“I loved every moment, from picking out the decorative pieces to creating the mask and finally seeing it all come together. The entire experience was amazing!”
Choose from more than 50 handmade papier-mâché masks, then paint and decorate yours with acrylic tempera, metallic gold and silver, feathers, ribbons, and sequins. An artist guides you in English, Italian, or French during this one-hour, family-friendly workshop for up to eight people.
“It was perfect and the instructor was really helpful and patient.”
Spend one hour at Palazzo delle Prigioni near St. Mark’s Square, choosing a traditional mask and decorating it with paint, glitter, and other materials. An artisan instructor, sometimes introduced as Beatrice, explains the mask’s story and helps with the finishing touches. The class is offered in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
“Loved it! My guide gave me great history and understanding on the lovely city of Venice, and I got to immerse myself in the culture a bit!”
Walk from Teatro La Fenice through Casanova’s San Samuele neighborhood with an English-speaking guide in Carnival costume. Hear stories of masks, courtesans, aristocrats, and the Ridotto casino, then enjoy cappuccino and a Carnival frittella at Le Café Venezia.
“This tour was great! Our guide was charming and very funny - I definitely recommend this tour if you like history and want to learn more about Venice and Casanova! It’s also a good way to see smaller, backstreets of the City! The Cappuccino at the end was great too :) Great tour! Very enjoyable experience- our guide sat with us at the end of the tour in the Café and was very happy to chat after the tour ended! 10/10 :)”
Spend about an hour at Palazzo Delle Prigioni Nuove learning to decorate a Venetian carnival mask with an artisan instructor. All materials are supplied, and the experience includes a taste of historic Venetian chocolate. The small group has a maximum of 10 people.
“Interestingly, we really had mixed emotions about this. The glass blowing felt somewhat staged and also felt like more of a pitch to sell you high end Murano Glass. The guide was informative about what makes Murano Glass special, but still the blowing demo was about 5 minutes and the sales pitch lasted a quite a while longer. The gondola ride was fun and a must for anyone in Venice. We were in a bat with four strangers and while it did not impact the ride, it was certainly not romantic. If you are looking for a romantic ride, pay the tariff and do your own ride. I am not…”
Pick a monument, a boat or a counter bar.
