Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration - The Glass Cathedral
Badge of Excellence
Venice, Italy
- 25 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Murano, a tight cluster of islands on the outskirts of Venice, has been the center of the city’s glassmaking industry since 1291. This small-group glass-blowing demonstration takes place in a historic former church dubbed Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara, and allows you to observe glass-making masters at work as they bend and sculpt glass to create two original pieces before your eyes.
- Watch as artisans use precision methods to bend and sculpt glass
- Sit in a historic former church, with soft music for added ambience
- Observe the glass-making craft that made Murano famous
- Small-group demonstration promotes an intimate atmosphere
What's Included
- Guide
- The Glass Masters show
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Drinks excluded
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- The Glass Cathedral Santa Chiara, Fondamenta Daniele Manin, 1, 30141 Murano Italy
What To Expect
1
The Glass Cathedral Santa Chiara
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- No minimum age required
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 228 reviews
Karl_M, Apr 2026
Lame. Wish there was some type of personal connection with the audience. Listening to a recording in 3 languages was really distracting. Exciting music or talking and connecting with the crowd would have made a big difference in the experience.
Rebecca_P, Jan 2026
Truly a unique and beautiful experience. The Glass Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever been in. The demonstration was so much more than glass blowing. Music was played, explanations of what you are seeing came over the sound system and the glass blower was very theatrical and extremely talented. Not your typical glass blowing demo. And it was only 15€ with no pressure to buy anything from a “gift shop”! There are lovely items for sale, but again, no pressure. I highly highly recommend this experience (I have been to Murano before and have seen demos associated with specific shops…lots of sales pitches… and they are nothing like this) I don’t ish I could give it 10 stars!
Farah_S, Nov 2025
Surprised by all the high ratings on this one. The experience was notably below average for the price paid. There was no commentary on what was happening, just a glass master doing his work. The glass master was good at his craft but didn’t speak a word or interact with audience. We thought we were waiting for the show to begin and were expecting some explanation of the art/science of glass making - only to realize show was over. We attended 3-5 mins late so may have missed an intro video not sure.
Other than the check in staff no one in the establishment spoke a single word with us. Just ignored throughout. Felt like a rip off and tourist trap for what we paid (14 euro each) - you’re better off catching a free or 2-3 euro show elsewhere. Waste of time and money.
Tatiana_R, Jul 2025
Pleasant place, 3 beautiful glass pieces were made.
Pay at the location direct to artists. There is always a seat.
! They could not find my reservation and payment!! Were they paid?
Thelma_K, Jul 2025
Really nice experience where we watched the master make 3 pieces. It was awesome to watch. There was no pressure to buy pieces but of course there is a nice display of pieces and jewellery to buy. My children were not looking forward to it but they liked it the most of all the tours we did. Very good value tour and perfect length.
JoLe_H, Apr 2025
The glass blower definitely had an attitude of I don’t want to do this. He made items and very quickly, threw them back in the oven to melt. He didn’t engage with the audience at all. I would put it on the “dud” list of activities. The cathedral itself was cool to look at, but you don’t need a ticket for that. They did share a recording with the history while the glass blower was making stuff. They just failed to engage with the audience. There are other glass blowers that are better.
Tiffany_B, Feb 2025
Beautiful cathedral building and a great demonstration - highly recommend this visit if you are in Venice/Murano. The glass artist is extremely talented and kindly let us take photos with his tools after the demonstration. The audio description about the history of glass work was also interesting (in both Italian and English)
Noah_S, Dec 2024
This was a very fun way to experience glass blowing up close! The demonstrations were exciting and the location was beautiful.
Hannah_K, Nov 2024
While it was very cool to see people blowing glass, there was no explanation through the process, only a 2-3 minute recorded blurb about the history of the island. The artist would make something and before we knew it, it was back in the kiln making something else, like he was trying not to be there any longer than he needed to, never changing the expression on his face.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Dear Hannah, thank you for taking time in reviewing our Show and business. We are sorry to hear that you did not appreciate our show and glass masters expression. He surely had a "no" day ... it sometimes happens to one of the masters we have regularly working for our Venue. Kind Regards Giuseppe & TGC Team
Raj_R, Oct 2024
It was good 30 min demo and we enjoyed it. Clear instructions to go there. You just have to show up 5 min before inside the building and confirm your registraion.
Chrissie_H, Sep 2024
Interesting setting for the demonstration. Would have been good to have more commentary on the techniques.. it was just a brief pre recording and then watching the man blow two objects…which was fascinating. Some interaction from the demonstrator would have made it more interesting.. tho a simple fun way to spend 30 mins or so
ThomasPacker, Aug 2024
Short and sweet. So fun to see the artistic tradition in person and the skill involved that must have taken many years to perfect, not to mention the multi-generational tradition. The setting is unique in the old church. The explanation before the demo started was appreciated. The music during the quiet demo was nice.
Kevin_M, Jul 2024
It was a basic overview of glass blowing. They played a recording giving information and then played music while the glass blower worked. He never smiled or said a word. He didn’t look too thrilled to be there, and I think he took what he made and melted it back down as we were leaving. He looked like he was there doing this because he had to be.
Steven_G, Jul 2024
Very welcoming and informative. My kids had a great time and the glass blower was extremely friendly. At the end of the show it was refreshing to not have any pressure to buy anything. Would highly recommend.
Oliver_S, Jun 2024
This was an amazing experience! You get to make a cup, bowl or vase in your chosen colours, in a small group (we had five plus two supervising parents). Our teacher was super friendly and helpful and it felt laid back and relaxed. You can pick up your item next day (or later that day if you choose an early slot) or have it shipped for an extra charge.
Tom_T, Jun 2024
Artisan was amazing. He would only work with Pink Floyd playing, which only added to the experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration.
Christa_S, Jun 2024
Watching glass blowing was the highlight of our kids stay in Venice. Wish the gentleman would have talked through his process but there was an audio before the demonstration started the explained a little.
Jennifer_D, Jun 2024
We loved this demonstration. It was a close up view of the glass making process. We would definitely visit again.
Eric_K, May 2024
We looked up glass blowing demonstrations and this popped up. We could not be happier. The only downside was that we could not go upstairs to see the 2nd floor. We had to view the large chandelier above the demonstration area only from the 1st floor. Place was relatively easy to find, the experience was fun and we got a drink to go with it.
Kenny_H, May 2024
Beautiful demonstration of glass blowing. With the majestic cathedral as a backdrop and the music playing, the audience can focus on the artistry of the glass blowing. A lovely way to spend an hour.
Indira_a, May 2024
Artistry of glass sculptures was amazing.
The venue was a delight to walk through, very interesting way to spend an hour at Murano
Cindy_W, May 2024
What a nice time we had. No pressure to buy only to enjoy the art of glass blowing. I loved the music in the back ground that added drama and charm to the glass blowers mastery. I was thinking that this felt like a glass blowing version of Hells Kitchen, only in the sense that there was a lot of flair and passion being demonstrated. Very interesting especially if you have kids as they will see an art that is very old yet still very much alive
Ken_H, Nov 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the glass cathedral. The demonstration was really informative and interesting. The venue was also beautiful. It was well worth the time.
Annika_N, Nov 2023
Fantastic demonstration, all the staff were so friendly and welcoming, beautiful building, and great cocktails at the bar too!
Amy_J, Sep 2023
We’ll worth the experience! Enjoyed a glass of Prosecco while watching an expert demonstration! Highly recommend!
Nathalie_C, Sep 2023
A very cool experience ! It's just long enough to learn the process and worth the amount paid. Thank you ;)
Fiona_D, Sep 2023
Very interesting to see how the glass is blown into the designs. Two items were made and it was amazing how they start and end up. Worth a visit.
Leslie_B, Aug 2023
The vendor was informed gracious and enthusiastic. I brought a ten year old child who greatly enjoyed the demonstration.
Brian_B, Jul 2023
Absolutely amazing display of craftsmanship!! Up close and personal experience. Two items were made during our visit. It’s about a 30-45 minute show. My kids were watching on the edge of their seats.
Bob_L, Jul 2023
The artisan performing the glass blowing demonstration was awesome. The only cautionary aspect is that the venue is difficult to find.
From $16.76
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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