The traditions of Venetian glass are carefully preserved in the Museum of Murano (Museo del Vetro), which is located in the Palazzo Giustinian Murano. Excursions on the history of glassmaking are held here, and the most interesting exhibits are collected, from Egyptian times to the present day.
Once upon a time Venetian buildings were strikingly different from today: all buildings were made of wood and therefore often suffered from fires. In those days, the glory of Murano glass-blowers was born. Fearing the fire, the authorities of Venice ordered the relocation of the shops from the city to the island of Murano in 1291.
Having settled in a new place, Murano craftsmen soon became prominent citizens: they were even allowed to wear swords, which was considered a special honor. The daughters of their families married the most notable husbands in Venice.
But, as you know, you always have to pay for the privileges, and in the 14th century the glassblowers were forbidden to leave the borders of the Venetian Republic. Some, however, risked and migrated to the surrounding cities, expanding their craft. And the most brave in the pursuit of ringing coins put their furnaces even in England and the Netherlands
Constantly improving and developing, the families of masters put ever new high bars. Inventions and tricks Murano ahead of time: incredibly thin products, the technology of making crystal glass, enamelled glass (smalt), glass with gold threads (aventurine), colorful glass, glass "glass of milk," and even imitations of precious stones. Even today, Murano artisans still use these methods.
Useful information
Address: Venice, Murano Island, Fondamenta Giustinian, 8.
Working hours: April 1 - October 31: 10:00 - 18 : 00, 1 November - 31 March: 10:00 - 17:00. The museum is closed on December 25, January 1 and May 1.
Museum glass in Venice |
Back yard, museum of glass in Venice Venice |
One of the halls, the Glass Museum in Venice Venice |
Exhibits of extraordinary beauty, museum of glass in Venice |
The exhibits, the Glass Museum in Venice |
Bright exhibit, Glass Museum in Venice |