Those who are looking to plan a vacation in Venice are likely attracted by her unique and iconic cityscape, her incredibly famous landmarks, and the wonderfully specific and charming traditions of Venice from the annual carnival celebrations to gondola rides to art and film festivals. For those interested in a villa in Venice and a holiday because of this rich and unrivalled heritage of gorgeous artworks, architectural gems, and design culture and for those who want to bring a little of it and a little piece of Venice itself home with you, then there are some historic artisanal products from Venice that make for ideal souvenirs. One can, of course, go for the hand-painted carnival masks in all sorts of shades and designs that adorn homes all over the globe as a special reminder of a trip to Venice, or a delicate piece of stunning Burano lace that was deemed good enough by centuries of European royalty, but one of the most iconic Venetian souvenirs has to be Murano glassware.
Italian glassware has existed in one form or another for around 1,500 years and has been concentrated in Murano in Venice since the 13th century. It was a prestigious field for much of its history and those who worked in the craft in the past were highly admired figures who were able to gain fortunes and even marry into noble families. Today, however, foreign imitations that are cheaply made and only discernibly different by experts have flooded the market, making the difficult and uncomfortable work of glassmaking increasingly less appealing. As glassmakers today also receive neither fortune nor extra social privileges, fewer and fewer traditional artisans are working in the field. While you can still buy Murano glass and get exquisite examples from well-known brands such as De Biasi, Gabbiani, Venini, Salviati, Barovier & Toso, Pauly, Berengo Studio, Seguso, Formia International, Simone Cenedese, Alessandro Mandruzzato, Vetreria Ducale, Estevan Rossetto 1950, and more, if you are really interested in this incredible dying art form and want to see some of the most exquisite examples ever made, then we recommend a visit to the Murano Glass Museum.
The Murano Glass Museum, or Museo del Vetro, is located, as one may expect, on the island of Murano, just north of Venice, in the Venetian Lagoon. It is located at the "Museo" vaporetto water bus stop, making it readily accessible by water bus for those who have found a villa in Venice and are spending time exploring the city. Founded in 1861 by the abbot Vincenzo Zanetti, the museum is run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia (the Foundation of the Civic Museums of Venice, or MUVE), and is located in the gorgeous Palazzo dei Vescovi di Torcello (Palace of the Bishops of Torcello), also known as the Palazzo Giustinian. This former palatial residence was first built in the Gothic style as a patrician's palace and was later the home of Bishop Marco Giustinian, for whom it is now named and who eventually donated the building to the Torcello diocese. Since the 19th century, the building has housed various collections and archives, became a school for glassmakers to study designs and models of Murano glass in the collection, and eventually became what we now know as the Murano Glass Museum.
The Murano Glass Museum, or Museo del Vetro, is located, as one may expect, on the island of Murano, just north of Venice, in the Venetian Lagoon. It is located at the "Museo" vaporetto water bus stop, making it readily accessible by water bus for those who have found a villa in Venice and are spending time exploring the city. Founded in 1861 by the abbot Vincenzo Zanetti, the museum is run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia (the Foundation of the Civic Museums of Venice, or MUVE), and is located in the gorgeous Palazzo dei Vescovi di Torcello (Palace of the Bishops of Torcello), also known as the Palazzo Giustinian. This former palatial residence was first built in the Gothic style as a patrician's palace and was later the home of Bishop Marco Giustinian, for whom it is now named and who eventually donated the building to the Torcello diocese. Since the 19th century, the building has housed various collections and archives, became a school for glassmakers to study designs and models of Murano glass in the collection, and eventually became what we now know as the Murano Glass Museum.
Housed in the Murano Glass Museum is a collection of works dating as far back as the ancient Romans up to the present day. One of the most impressive and complete glass collections in the world, it is a must for those who are interested in the craft and who have found a villa in Venice. The collection is arranged throughout the building chronologically, beginning with the Roman works dating from the 1st to the 3rd century A.D and following from that the largest historical collection of Murano glass in the world, with pieces dating from the 15th to the 20th century. Temporary exhibitions based on different themes, periods, styles, makers, and more also take place regularly in the museum and sometimes more contemporary pieces are put on display, bringing the retrospective of the art form right up to the current day. All kinds of incredible objects from magical little lifelike pieces of fruit made of glass to giant chandeliers to art objects to glasses, bowls, and other vessels for eating and drinking are all on display to be admired from the tiny and intricate to the grand and impressive. The palace in which the museum itself is located is also quite the looker and you should definitely take the time to pay attention to, and admire it, if you are exploring the museum!
So, if you are interested in the unique cultural and design history of the stunning city of Venice and you have found a villa in Venice be sure to come and explore the amazing Murano Glass Museum!
So, if you are interested in the unique cultural and design history of the stunning city of Venice and you have found a villa in Venice be sure to come and explore the amazing Murano Glass Museum!
