Magic Mask Decoration Class

Discover the artistic traditions of Venice with a Venetian mask workshop set inside a historic palace near Piazza San Marco. Guided by a local artisan, this hands-on experience offers insight into traditional techniques while you create your own mask.
1 hr
Group size up to 15 persons
Mobile ticket
English
Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

What is included in activity

Carnival mask workshop with a skilled artisan
Colors and materials needed for the workshop
The mask as a souvenir of the experience to take home

What is not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks

Details

Step into the historic Prison’s Palace in Venice, located close to the renowned Piazza San Marco, and discover the city’s artistic heritage through a Venetian mask workshop.

This setting, once linked to the story of Giacomo Casanova, provides a distinctive backdrop for a creative experience.

Under the guidance of an expert artisan, learn the traditional techniques of mask decoration.

All materials are provided, including colors, paints, and decorative elements, allowing you to design and personalize your own Venetian Carnival mask.

This hands-on activity offers insight into a long-standing craft while giving you the opportunity to create a unique piece. At the end of the workshop, take your finished mask home as a meaningful souvenir and a reminder of Venice’s cultural traditions.

Important Info

• The tour is NOT private but is shared with other participants
• The tour could be bilingual
• Pets are not allowed
• This tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility
• Digital and printed vouchers are accepted (to be shown to the staff)
• Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the start of the tour
• Bring clothes appropriate to the experience
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Online Booking

Price
Adult (Age 12-99)
€69
per person
Child (Age 0-11)
€57
per person
For any payment method you must book a ticket through the booking form below and receive confirmation by e-mail and (or) SMS.

Activity book period

You can book tour up to 3 hours in advance.

Activity languages

English

Directions to meet your guide

Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4209, 30122 Venezia, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

How long your tour will be

1 hr

Photos

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Reviews by travellers

4.9 out of 5
1419 reviews
1103
76
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Durante R.
This was a good experience. The mask painting gave us something different to do besides the typical walking tours especially if you enjoy arts and crafts. The shop owner is very talented and gives you general direction for painting the mask and also ends up painting the Venetian design on the mask at the final layer/stage. While I really like the way the mask turned out, I would have liked to try and paint the final stage myself even if it may not have turned out as good.
about 9 hours ago
Clelia V.
Very nice activity. Lovely guide friendly andvery knowledgeable. Would totally recommend
4 days ago
Eraclide M.
Great host and tutor! Very professional, super friendly and it was amazing seeing how quickly and with genious strokes he was able to finish the masks we had created. My wife and daughter had an incredible time. We will definitely go back there when we'll be back in Venice next year. I highly recommend it.
4 days ago
Polidoro C.
Fantastic experience and Giorgio is an absolute GEM! Not only is he superb artist, but also he (along with his wife and son) is one of the last authentic Venetian mask makers!! Who better to learn from than an artisan himself? Did this activity by myself-braved the rain in the early morning to make it! Highly recommend this quite enjoyable, unique and relaxing activity, especially if you enjoy crafting and learning more about the history of the Venetian carnival mask! You get to ask him about his other masks and keep yours as a souvenir! And he also offers discounts if you decide to purchase one of his own painted masks!
6 days ago
Miguel
We had a really good time with our guide and mask assistant. We got a lot of useful and interesting information and left knowing a bit more about the amazing history of the city. Our guide also provided us with some surprises and gifts and was all around very friendly. Highly recommend!
7 days ago
Franca F.
superb from start to finish
9 days ago
Antonella L.
Our experience with a nine-year-old was great. Even with no experience, each of us wound up with a lovely mask of our own making—with Giorgio’s expert help.
10 days ago
Amabile B.
What’s more Venetian than a carnival mask? This workshop was such a wonderful way to experience one of Venice’s trademark crafts firsthand. Giorgio was patient, informative, generous with his expertise, and kind. We learned so much and had so much fun, plus we’re taking home one-of-a-kind souvenirs: SO much better than buying factory-made junk, and so meaningful! You shouldn’t miss this! And it’s definitely not just for kids: I did this workshop with my two teenagers, and I loved it. It was very meaningful.
13 days ago
Eufemia S.
My boyfriend and I went to paint masks and it was a super fun interactive activity. The shop was so cute and we had a great time. We even bought some masks from the owners. They owners were extremely nice and very informative and helpful. I would definitely go again.
13 days ago
Celso S.
We booked in Giorgio's laboratory, during the recent New Year's Eve 2023. In addition to the charm of entering a real artisan laboratory, where you can already visually breathe the history of Venice and its Carnival, we were fascinated by Giorgio's stories about some of the masks traditions and on the origins of this important festival for the city, combining a unique practical experience with an unrepeatable cultural excursus that made us learn something more about Venice to appreciate it even better. Our daughters were happy with what was done and in their room today the masks made by them stand out with the wise advice of Mastro Giorgio! Not to be missed for those who want to fully experience Venice!
17 days ago
Program details changed.
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