Learn Glassblowing from a Murano Expert

Glassmaking is a centuries-old tradition on Murano, the tiny, mile-long island just north of Venice. The craft was so valued, Venetian officials of the 14^th century made the divulgence of trade secrets a capital offense. The glassmakers, called “maestros,” were also highly venerated by society, even letting their daughters marry into nobility.

Murano developed a number of glass products like mirrors and chandeliers, but the onset of factory production relegated hand-blown glass to artistic use rather than practical. The number of glassworkers still working in Murano is less than 1,000, but they are popular among visitors who want to see the artisans in action. Many foundries offer demonstrations and some even provide glass and jewelry classes using traditions that have been perfected over centuries.

One such place is Abate Zanetti, an art school founded in 1862 to provide artistic training in glassblowing and various other disciplines like jewelry, drawing and design. Abate Zanetti offers a variety of programs for visitors, ranging from €18 demonstrations to €720 courses. The full courses are intense, 28-hour programs where a maestro instructs small classes on several glassblowing processes like furnacing, lamp working and stained glass.