Venice & the Veneto · VENETIAN MASK WORKSHOPS
Two hours, papier-mache over a clay form, and something you have to get home in one piece. These 12 differ on whether you build the mask or only paint it, and how long the gesso needs to dry.
Paint an authentic Venetian carnival mask with an artisan, learn Carnival traditions, and take home a personal paper-mâché souvenir.
“My grandchildren loved this activity, in a small mask shop near San Marco. They each painted masks, and took them home. It was only an hour’s activity but they really enjoyed themselves.”
Paint a Venetian Carnival mask near St. Mark’s Square with a master artisan, learn Carnival traditions, and take home a personal souvenir.
“Make the time for this lovely relaxed experience away from the usual tourism when in Venice. An education in Venetian culture as well as a hands on workshop”
Make and decorate your own Venetian mask at Carta Alta on Giudecca, with artisan guidance, mask history, film connections, and a take-home souvenir.
“Very charming place 💖 owner was sooo nice and atmosphere was awesome💖 if you want unique souvenir from Venice and lovely memories- I recommend 1000%”
Paint a handmade Venetian mask in a small Venice workshop, learn simple decorating techniques, and take home a personal souvenir.
“I did this activity with my husband and 7 year old daughter and we all had a very good time. The guide was really helpful explaining what we need to do and sharing some techniques that makes our masks look a bit better (for a not-so-artsy bunch). We all had a very good time. Definitely recommend doing.”
Decorate a traditional Venetian mask with an artisan inside the historic Casanova Prisons, beside St. Mark’s Square, for $65.
“Definitely worth booking! The staff were really helpful and nice. We all got to look around the museum while waiting for our masks to dry. Loved the experience 😊”
Paint and decorate your own Venetian mask in a small atelier, learn Carnival traditions, and take home a handmade souvenir from Venice.
“This was one of the best things we did while in Venice. They were all very friendly, helpful and informative. My husband who has little artistic talent ended up creating a brilliant mask that he was proud of. We did a 2 hour workshop which gave us a decent amount of time and we could choose from a variety of different mask shapes. FYI there is no toilet so go beforehand! If I return to Venice I would definitely do this again.”
Paint a handmade Venetian mask in a one-hour Venice workshop, with 50 designs, helpful artists, and a personalized souvenir to take home.
“I was traveling with college students. We enjoyed this hands on Carnevale experience!! We each chose a blank mask to paint. There were many options of paint and sizes of brushes. We could have stayed two hours! They helped us dry the masks and packed them in bags for safe carrying.”
Decorate a Venetian carnival mask inside Casanova's former prisons, with an artisan instructor, materials, and historic chocolate tasting.
“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…”
Make a Venetian paper-mache mask in a small private workshop near St. Mark’s Square, then decorate it with color, crystals, gold leaf, and feathers.
“Actividad imprescindible para cualquier interesado en las máscaras venecianas y su elaboración. La experiencia ha sido positiva y me quedo para el recuerdo con el resultado de la misma, una máscara hecha con mis manos. Gracias a Igor por su paciencia y buen hacer.”
Make a Venetian paper-mache mask in a six-person workshop, learn classic designs, and take home a handcrafted souvenir from Carta Alta.
“It was lots of fun. A family of 6 and all ages. We all had a great time . The masks turned out great and we all left happy.”
Explore Venice by app, solve a Carnival treasure hunt, then paint a mask in the historic Palazzo delle Prigioni.
“Impossible de capter correctement le reseau pour le gps . Trop de monde autour de la place st marc , donc enormes difficultés a se reperer. Les explications sur les sites sont pratiquements inodibles , trop de foule bruyante autour des lieux de decouverte. Peut etre devriez vous fournir de petits écouteurs. Dommage , car l'idée était excellente. Pour le prix par personne, je suis extrement déçue .”
A private Venice family tour pairs Carlo Goldoni’s puppet theater with a hands-on Venetian mask workshop for children six and up.
“Omg Paula at the Mask workshop. You are an angel. And Anna Maria’s ability to keep our kids engaged during the first hour. That said… no puppet show. Just a tour. It was amazing but a little confusion as we thought there was a show and not a tour of a gallery.”
Pick a canal, a counter or a hillside.
