Venetian Mask Workshop

Artisan Venetian Mask Workshop Experience

We are proud to partner with one of Venice’s finest workshops to provide an exclusive, private experience where you will design & create your very own Venetian mask.

Beguiling and elaborate, playful yet concealing a hidden truth, or even a little disturbing, Venetian masks are synonymous with the huge celebrations that accompany the annual Venice Carnival that extends over several days of parties & masquerade balls.

A key part of the celebrations, of course, is the extravagant costumes and masks. It’s one thing to purchase a carnival mask, but something else entirely to create your own, working in the traditional way under a master artisan. Our Venetian mask workshop experience is the perfect way to create an unforgettable souvenir from your Venice vacation.

What Is Included In The Venetian Mask Workshop?

• A private 2-hour workshop
• Learn the history behind the types of masks historically worn from the 13th century, and latterly in the carnival
• Create your mask using traditional methods
• Exclusive Luxe experience: Private visit to a Carnival Costume Workshop with the master seamstress

Venetian Mask Workshop Description

The workshop is open to people of all levels of artistic ability and experience!

Join your guide as you enter a real Venetian Atelier. You will be shown the techniques and materials that are still used to this day by the artisans to craft the world-famous Venetian masks.

Your guide will help you as you start with a papier-mache base, which you will build up into your own unique Venetian mask, resplendent with decorations of your choosing.

Understanding Venetian Masks

Have you ever noticed that there are certain ‘archetypal’ Venetian masks? They are called:

• The Bauta
• The half-mask Colombina 
• The long-nosed plague doctor (Medico Della Peste)
• The Volto
• The Joker (The Arlecchino)

Your master will talk you through the history of these masks and explain the purpose and context behind each of them, alongside the roles they symbolized in Venetian society.

Special Costume Workshop

Now that you have successfully created your own unique hand-built mask, you’re almost ready for the Venice Carnival, but not until you’ve heard all about the other centerpiece of the festivities, the costumes!

In this special Luxe Travel experience, you will be taken into the private costume workshop by master costume creator, Giulia, who will show you her collection & explain how she creates each piece by hand.

Our recent trip to Rome was truly a dream come true, and we owe it in large part to the incredible team at Travel By Luxe! We had ambitious plans, wanting to delve deep into Rome's history with private tours of the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Travel By Luxe absolutely delivered! They meticulously arranged each private tour, ensuring we had knowledgeable and engaging guides who brought these ancient wonders to life. The skip-the-line access they secured was invaluable, allowing us to maximize our time and avoid the notorious Roman queues. Every detail, from the timing of each tour to the comfortable vehicles, was perfectly orchestrated, making our exploration of Rome seamless and incredibly enjoyable. Beyond the tours, their assistance with our transportation from our cruise ship to Venice was a lifesaver. After a fantastic cruise, we needed a reliable and stress-free transfer, and they handled it flawlessly. The vehicle was comfortable, the driver was prompt and courteous. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to exceptional customer service. Maria was always responsive, accommodating, and went above and beyond to ensure our trip was nothing short of perfect. If you're planning a trip to Italy and seeking a travel agency that will not only meet but exceed your expectations, look no further. They transformed our Roman holiday into an unforgettable adventure, and we cannot recommend them highly enough! Thank you for everything!

Rachael Rustmann ★★★★★

Why Book The Venetian Mask Workshop With Luxe?

• Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes preview of the mask-making process, reserved for Luxe clients.
• This is completely private for you and your party/family!
• Your guide will have all the time to explain and answer any questions you have.
• We don’t just want to ‘just’ show you Venice, we want to create an experience together with you for a lifetime of memories, and a mask to show for it!

This experience doesn’t run on Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.