Murano Glass & Venetian Masks

Excellent tour. Unbelievable workmanship. Everything was beyond belief. We saw a spectacular horse come to life from a hunky of molten glass in a matter of moments.

Glad we visited this place before we went shopping. Venice is full of fake goods from China, thanks to their inherent tendency to plagiarize ideas from other cultures. Our take away? Watch out for shops with fake Murano glass from China. Look for the seal of authenticity. We made sure that we bought the real thing and bought our glass from this shop.

Took a water taxi from our hotel to the glass museum on Murano Island. Watched a very quick demonstaion on how the glass sculptures were made. Pretty neat. From there we were escorted to the museum part which consisted of maybe 7-8 different rooms with beautiful sculptures and chandeliers. Here's what turned me off... The host gave us the impression multiple times that they were doing us a favor and opening the museum exclusively for us. However it became very apparent after being pressured multiple times that their only goal was to sell us "exclusive" over priced glass artwork. A 12 inch tall relatively simple appearing glass sculpture was initially offered at 1500 euros and an immediate reduction of 250 euros upon our slightest hesitation with an additional of "what would you offer ". When our price was too low we were immediately escorted to the gift shop and received no more attention save for "here's something small you might like". An additional observation was that they followed us around, continued to inform us that if we were interested in any pieces to let them know, and even went so far to ask what our professions were. My husband who is a physician told them he was an artist back home, at that point their "interest" declined rapidly. Overall this was a terrible experience. Certainly beauty is in the eye of the beholder as well as value, however, to the nondiscerning eye, there are many pieces of similar quality and artful nature available elsewhere. Would not recommend at all.

Great experience on last vacation at the Murano glass factory. Wonderful pieces that are really works of art. Our guide was Mathew and highly recommend working with him. He has great knowledge of the process and can help you select the right pieces if your desire is to purchase.

Great for a quick visit to see one of a kind glass sculptures. Our hotel provided a taxi there and back. Quick demo of glass making and then had a tour of the museum. Very expensive pieces but all one of a kind and hand made, so understandable. Breathtaking pieces. Don't feel pressured to buy

Great place to understand the fine craftsmanship of glass making, but unfortunately the team managing the place is not as honest as I had preferred. Made a purchase of a glass at the place for €65, was told the shop will take care to pack the item properly in view we are a group of tourists. Left Venice with the tour group and only get to open the packed item back at the hotel. Upset to find that the glass piece given to me was chipped. Now I wonder if the gold leaf patterns within the glass is actually authentic and really 24k.

A couple of points: - Murano Glass Factory is a deceiving name as there are lots of factories and stores - If you see something you like try to find it or similar in another store to compare prices. We bought a very expensive decanter/glass set and later saw the exact same in several stores (on Murano and also greater Venice) about 40% less which left us feeling ripped off and scammed - hence three star - The further you go away from the main ferry terminal the cheaper the prices get - Never pay the ticketed price - By far our favourite store was a small place called Ferro Toso. He mainly sells smaller items and jewellery but he was the only one who felt truly genuine, and even took time to teach our daughters how pendants are made

It' an obvious gift ? you buy to remind you of Murano world renowned glass from Venice .As a photographer l find light transmitting and reflecting from crystal clear Murano glass magical all the colours of the rainbow