Murano’s glass-blowing has been continuous since 1291, when Venice’s furnaces were moved to the island to prevent fires.
Plan this experience →Demonstrations (free): most fornaci offer free 15–20 min demonstrations. A maestro shapes molten glass into a horse/vase/fish while you watch. The catch: you’ll be pressured to buy from the showroom afterward. Go anyway — the skill is extraordinary. Hands-on workshop (€60–120): several studios let you try: Murano Glass Experience (€75/1h, make a bead), Vetreria Artistica Vivarini (€90/1.5h), Abate Zanetti glass school (€60–200 depending on level). Getting there: vaporetto Line 4.1/4.2 from Fondamente Nove (10 min). What to buy: look for the "Vetro Artistico Murano" trademark. A genuine small sculpture: €30–200. Cheap Murano glass in Venice shops is usually Chinese.