VENICE
The best of Venice, in order.
The 12 most popular venetian mask workshops in Venice. The ones worth your hours in a city you cross on foot and by water, with prices, run times and who to book each with.
Paint your own Venice Carnival paper-mâché mask in a one-hour workshop guided by a Venetian artisan, with supplies included.
Most Popular“Piccolo was an amazing artist, very kind and patient with me and my 6yo kid.”
Make a Venetian papier-mâché Carnival mask near St Mark’s Square. Small group class with paints included, master finishing, take-home souvenir.
“Fun for couple/friends. Nicola was very patient with us, he hosted us in his atelier (max 6 spots) and explained us a very basic on the Carnival and the Carnival masks. It was really interesting and the workshop activity was fun and smooth, all done by ourselves with his final touch up. Also if you…”
Make a Venetian paper-mâché mask at Carta Alta. Learn baroque decoration and classic mask history, then take your creation home.
“One of the best things you could do in Venice. Making a mask was therapeutic and the sweetest pair of guides make the activity even more fun.”
Paint your own Venetian mask in a small Venice studio. Choose 50+ papier-mâché designs, then add feathers and metallic gold.
“This was an absolutely wonderful experience! Mary-Allen was so welcoming and helpful. She guided us through the process and helped us when we needed it. It's in a quiet area of Venice, away from hustle and bustle. We had such a lovely hour here, and we all left with our own Venetian hand painted masks!…”
Make your own Venetian carnival mask inside the Prison Palace by St Mark’s, guided by an artisan with all materials included.
“the instructions are by actual artists and they are extremely helpful.”
Create a papier-mâché Venetian mask in a real atelier. Step-by-step painting with feathers and gold leaf, plus Carnival stories.
“Jack was a patient instructor. I was fortunate to have a one to one workshop experience. I was very happy that I was offered a variety of mask shapes to choose from and was able to select from a choice of paint colours, trims, beads, feathers and gold leaf options. Jack allowed me to adopt…”
Paint a Venetian papier-mâché mask in a one-hour class with acrylics and gold/silver touches, then take it home as your Venice souvenir.
“Good not great. Felt more like a here’s some paints and paper mache mask, have fun. There was no history on Venice mask making or how it evolved. Expected at least 10 minutes on masks as a part of Venician culture. Didn’t even get that. We had fun painting the masks but would’ve loved for…”
Make a Carnival mask inside Casanova’s Prisons in Venice. Small-group workshop with all materials, English guidance, and a fair price.
“The gondola is an experience one can have when in Venice. With this combo tour, one does not have to worry about dealing with the gondoliers. The tour guide takes care of all of it. Also, the glass blowing demonstration was indeed something unique and very creative. We enjoyed the whole journey to move about…”
Create a one-of-a-kind Venetian paper mache mask near St. Mark’s, with a 2-day workshop using gold leaf, crystals, and feathers.
“He Hecho mucho cursos, pero de este he salido maravillada y volvería hacerlo mil veces. Igor y su mujer encantadores, súper profesionales y artesanos de toda la vida. Nos ha encantado a mi marido y a mí. Puntuación del 1 al 10, un 20.”
Make a Venetian paper-mache mask at Carta Alta. Learn classic styles, paint with the baroque technique, and take your work home.
“Making a Venetian mask was a memorable experience for our kids. The tour guide was gracious and helpful. I highly recommend this quiet and relaxing activity for all ages. It’s a small group so you feel well taken care of.”
Carnival treasure hunt in Venice via a mobile app, then paint a Venetian white mask in the Doge’s Prisons palace.
“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…”
Kids visit Carlo Goldoni’s historic home, see an Arlecchino puppet scene, then paint a papier-mâché Venetian mask to take home.
“Somewhat "enthusiastic" staff - paint mask without decoration, a pity...would not book this activity anymore”
The basilica, the islands, the canals and the table, and every way to see them.
