Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy
4.7
Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy
By Venice Tours Srl
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About
Venice is known for its beautiful decorative masks, and this hands-on experience gives you the opportunity to make your own. The lesson is led by a master artisan, so you learn about the Venetian Carnival traditions and special techniques that have been perfected in Venice over many years. Then, fire up your artistic skills to create your own mask to take home.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 4 per group
Duration: 1h 15m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Italian, French, Spanish
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Highlights
- Enjoy a Venice Carnival mask-making class with a master artisan
- Remember your Venice trip with a special souvenir—take the mask home
- No need to bring anything with you—all materials are provided
- A small group means more attention from your instructor
- Course of decoration (you will keep the decorated mask)
- All necessary paints and supplies
- Live commentary
- Entry/Admission - Piazza San Marco
What's not included- Hotel pickup
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1San Marco 596 Venetian Masks, P.za San Marco, 598, 30124 Venezia VE, ItalyFacing the Church of San Zulian, pass its façade on the left and you have reached “Campiello San Zulian”. The laboratory is in the opposite corner on your left.
- Option 2Circolo Artistico - Palazzo Delle Prigioni, Riva degli Schiavoni, 4209, 30122 Venezia VE, ItalyPrison Palace is close to San Marco Square beside Doge's Palace. Do not go to the entrance of Doge's Palace, to get to the Prisons Palace cross the bridge on the right side of the entrance of the Doge's Palace.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21441P34- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)
- 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 4 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21441P34
From
€69.00
per adult
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Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1A Venetian master artisan will explain you the ancient technique of decorating a Venetian papier-mâché mask providing information about the use of masks in Venice during past centuries. At the end of the course, you will keep the mask as a very special souvenir to bring back home.
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Top rated
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- finno2580 contributionsGondola TourGreat guide. Very knowledgeable and made the tour very entertaining. Very good English. Would highly recommend. Thank youWritten 17 March 2025
- rahuljain_dba0 contributionsGreat experience with the tour and lovely host Emma!Great tour with Emma, highly recommended! Taking us through the canals, it was a lovely experience. Gondolas are nice and comfortable too!Written 17 March 2025
- Wander465146441370 contributionsGondola tourWe really enjoyed the gondola ride! The views were beautiful and the tour guide was very informative. would definitely recommendWritten 17 March 2025
- ConcernedParent20200 contributionsGreat tour on a gondola and moreExcellent guide. We had fun. Love the talk before and the VR after. Gondola was awesome too. The quiet canals and the water.Written 17 March 2025
- M257MRrobertc0 contributionsTime of our lifeBeatrice is very good! Always smiling, and very knowledgeable. She's a gem for the sightseeing industry. We had a great timeWritten 17 March 2025
- 509anjam0 contributionsGreat gondola ride and guideVery nice ride and very good guide 😊 well organised and very charming people. Nice ride, comfortable gondola. We had a great timeWritten 16 March 2025
- samanthaw6370 contributionsBeautiful veniceSuch a great experience. We especially loved the gondola ride and VR experience. Our tour guild Valerio was both knowledgeable and informative and made the tour that little more special.Written 16 March 2025
- julzzz1110 contributionsBrilliantBrilliant tour! Valerio our guide was lovely. Nicest person in Italy. Thank you very much and the free virtual reality at the end was very informative and great to see how Valencia started.Written 16 March 2025
- ivanovd6030 contributionsGreat tripIt was amazing!!!! Certainly recomand it for all who want to have a good experience and see the beauties of the Venice on water!Written 16 March 2025
- V2239ORisabellab0 contributionsGreat Gondola tourGreat tour! Starts off in a big group with a headphone set and walk. Then 25 min gondola ride. Emma was a great guide! Perfect amount of time and learned a little historyWritten 16 March 2025
- Passenger282422795890 contributionsWaste of timeGuide informative but hard to hear as very quietly spoken and hard to understand with her strong accent. Didn't learn or see as much as expected.Written 16 March 2025
- Ana O0 contributionsTour guideWent there 10 minutes before the tour started. I asked the lady on the desk to go in. She said to wait outside and the tour guide will come to call me in. Waited over 30 minutes - no one came!! Do not recommend.Written 16 March 2025
- ordew20250 contributionsGreat tourEmma was a great host and made sure we felt welcome. She was very informative and helpful. The tour was great and well organized.Written 15 March 2025
- W7624QZsamanthab0 contributionsGreat Gondola RideWe had an amazing time with Valerio Speranza as our guide. We booked a gondola tour that was so cool. Before arriving to the gondola station, via walking tour, Valerio gave us a great overview of the history of Venice and gondoliers. We highly recommend this experience and had an unforgettable experience that Valerio made all the more enjoyable.Written 15 March 2025
- J8721PNricardoc0 contributionsGood experience but should be more clear about time on the gondolaThe guide was really amazing, Bea was really kind. But the gondola ride was shorter than what was expected. They said that the tour was 60 min, it was more like 25 and a crazy amount of gondola traffic. A bit overpriced.Written 15 March 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.7
150 reviews
Excellent
124
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16
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
5
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Twomaples
Canada499 contributions
A family owned and run business Nicolai makes welcome a small group of about 3 budding artists into his workshop full of beautifully hand crafted masks. You have your choice from a wide variety of blank masks and 2 or 3 paint colours. He quickly sketched a grid onto your mask and instructs you how to use the paint. Every mask I saw while I was there was different and every one turned out well. Nicolai put the finishing touches on each mask at the end and they quickly dried under a small fan. A discount was offered on purchases made at the workshop and they were carefully wrapped. A relaxing activity with a positive outcome, I highly recommend this activity.
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review
Written 14 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elena P
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
I booked directly with them because I wanted to do a different activity with my children in Venice. The workshop is tiny and we were attended by Giorgio, who is the artisan who creates beautiful masks. He was with the two of them alone, attentive at all times to their needs. You choose the mask and he is in charge of designing in pencil the areas of the colors. Then the children could choose the colors and taught them how to give it correctly the two layers. He finished by hand painting artisan details on each of them. The kids really liked it and took home a mask made by them. To keep in mind, we were around an hour and a half and they are 60€, not a cheap activity. Also then we had to wait a little bit (we took a walk) for the masks to dry completely. I recommend the activity.
Automatically translated
Written 16 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thanks for your kind review. We are glad to read that you enjoyed the Mask making class. Hope to see you again in Venice!
Written 17 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
onamauihi
Fuquay-Varina, NC211 contributions
Just prior to our appt time, we stopped at a cafe nearby to have breakfast ( a pastry and a drink) while there, the shopkeeper stopped in for his breakfast too.
If you have google maps, just follow that for the address. It got us there with ease. He happened to be sitting outside in his office waiting for my hubby and me. We were the only ones in his early morning class. Cute shop and nice artist. He truly is an artist and once you as what he does with your masks you’ll understand. We were pretty happy with ours but he really makes them beautiful with his added touch. Turns out it was his 42nd wedding anniversary that day. It was our 36th. Anyway we did the photos of course but while we painted he explained a lot more about which masks were made and what they symbolized. Really interesting history too.
We had the best time. I booked this for my husband and me and wasn’t sure how much he’d like it but as it turns out, Tony had a really good time. Made me happy to know he enjoyed it too. It’s a small shop but you can probably get about 5 people in there without a problem.
I hope you enjoy your time non Venice. This was such a nice way to start our visit. He is highly recommended
If you have google maps, just follow that for the address. It got us there with ease. He happened to be sitting outside in his office waiting for my hubby and me. We were the only ones in his early morning class. Cute shop and nice artist. He truly is an artist and once you as what he does with your masks you’ll understand. We were pretty happy with ours but he really makes them beautiful with his added touch. Turns out it was his 42nd wedding anniversary that day. It was our 36th. Anyway we did the photos of course but while we painted he explained a lot more about which masks were made and what they symbolized. Really interesting history too.
We had the best time. I booked this for my husband and me and wasn’t sure how much he’d like it but as it turns out, Tony had a really good time. Made me happy to know he enjoyed it too. It’s a small shop but you can probably get about 5 people in there without a problem.
I hope you enjoy your time non Venice. This was such a nice way to start our visit. He is highly recommended
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review
Written 20 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
annie t
1 contribution
Mar 2025 • Family
We have booked for our 3 little girls 13 years 1/2-12 years and 9 years a mask workshop. The ages had been asked to make an adult workshop for the greatest.
The session lasted great max 45 min with a person who was on the phone all the time , masked divided into 3 parts . 2 layers of paint on each part made by the girls and a gold decoration made by the animator!!We could have bought painting masks and done it at home without any problem and it would have cost us less!!!! Very big disappointment of the children who were hoping for at least some explanations ... We absolutely do not advise .
The session lasted great max 45 min with a person who was on the phone all the time , masked divided into 3 parts . 2 layers of paint on each part made by the girls and a gold decoration made by the animator!!We could have bought painting masks and done it at home without any problem and it would have cost us less!!!! Very big disappointment of the children who were hoping for at least some explanations ... We absolutely do not advise .
Automatically translated
Written 11 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clive895
Bordon, UK2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
It is a shame that the reviews on this activity does not match the reality. We arrived at the venue near St Marks by accident. There is nothing outside the museum which encourages you to go inside, we found it eventually by accident. It would help to have a little sign .The arrival time was 11am yet we were told straight away that we have just 1 hour, instead of the 1 hr 15 minutes as stated. There was no history about venetian face masks, instead we were just encouraged to do a base coat and then just paint . That would have been ok if there was paint available. Unfortunately, there were limited colours which devalued the whole thing. The artist that took us was very pleasant but she was restricted because of what was available. At 12 0'clock on the dot we were finished. It was no different than painting a clay mug but at 3 times the cost. It was a pity that it was so under whelming.
Written 4 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
we are deeply sorry about your negative feedback.
However, this experience took place as indicated on the website. In any case, your review will definitely help us improve our service.
We are at your disposal in case that you need further clarifications or If you have any other suggestion for us.
Regards,
Venice Tours
Written 5 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cynthia L
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
This activity is simply wonderful. Not only is Giorgio welcoming and so passionate about his craft, he is great with the kids and helping them with their creation. You choose one mask from a nice range of options and paint with 3-4 colours. Two coats and then Giorgio decorates the masks with finishing touches. The activity itself takes a little more than an hour. While you wait around 20 minutes for the masks to dry, is a lovely church to visit in the same courtyard, a gelateria around the corner and even a spot for a drink. I highly recommend this activity, even if you are not an artist at heart. It allows you a moment to participate in a Venetian craft that has been around for centuries and you get to take your memory with you back home. Grazie Giorgio for this wonderful experience!
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
thanks for your kind review.
We are glad to read that you enjoyed the tour.
Hope to see you again in Venice!
Written 27 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joni S
5 contributions
No instructions, poor quality supplies and no entrance into The Doges Prison, instead it was included entrance to an artificial torture museum in a small area of The Doges Prison.
I was hoping to have some historical information about the different types of masks….none.
I was hoping to have feathers, sequins, ribbons , etc to embellish the mask…none.
We had cheap acrylic paints that were mostly empty and when Asked if I could have more white paint, I was told no, we don’t have anymore.
When I asked if I could have something to wipe off my paintbrush, like a paper towel, he brought me 3 small squares of toilet paper. In addition, the paint brushes were of such terrible quality, it was like someone had raked the bristles along the concrete sidewalks.
I was told no less than 3 times, “we only have 1 hour, you must hurry!” Granted the completed my mask in 45 mins.
This was not worth the money or my precious time! Wish I could get a refund!
I was hoping to have some historical information about the different types of masks….none.
I was hoping to have feathers, sequins, ribbons , etc to embellish the mask…none.
We had cheap acrylic paints that were mostly empty and when Asked if I could have more white paint, I was told no, we don’t have anymore.
When I asked if I could have something to wipe off my paintbrush, like a paper towel, he brought me 3 small squares of toilet paper. In addition, the paint brushes were of such terrible quality, it was like someone had raked the bristles along the concrete sidewalks.
I was told no less than 3 times, “we only have 1 hour, you must hurry!” Granted the completed my mask in 45 mins.
This was not worth the money or my precious time! Wish I could get a refund!
Written 19 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alma1517
London, UK6 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
What a great experience!
Went with my 2 children (8&6) and painted masks. Really fun way to spend 90 mins and the masks were finished with far more professional decorating by the professionals!
Thank you - one of the trip highlights.
Went with my 2 children (8&6) and painted masks. Really fun way to spend 90 mins and the masks were finished with far more professional decorating by the professionals!
Thank you - one of the trip highlights.
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
Thanks for the time spent to leave this nice review.
We are glad that you enjoyed the tour.
See you soon in Venice!
Written 11 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Allyse
13 contributions
This was a very intimate experience with a talented mask artist. The experience was just my husband and I and the artist. He taught us how to make masks and gave us some of the history on why they were popular in Venice. I only wish we could have been a bit more creative with our mask but for the sake of time I understand why the artist imposed limits.
Written 5 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thanks for your kind review. We are glad to read that you enjoyed the experience. Hope to see you again in Venice!
Written 6 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather W
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Our children had a wonderful time selecting their masks and being taught how to paint them. When they were done, Giorgio added some finishing touches! Giorgio was a great teacher and very patient with the kids. This a unique experience to do while in Venice and we are so thankful for the opportunity.
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review.
We are glad to read that you enjoyed the experience.
Hope to see you again in Venice!
Written 14 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael
Riverview, Florida
Is a green card still required for entrance?
Can I use a list of Covid immunizations that I have had (4)
Written 28 April 2022
Hello, we are heading to Venice with our children. We are from the United Stated. It states a green pass is needed. Will our vaccination CDC which is equivalent be good for them?
I just don't want to purchase it and get there and not be able to get in.
Thank you
Written 4 February 2022
Hello my name is Michael Marinelli I have enjoyed visitng Venice several times in the past being with an Airline and having overnights there. On one of my last overnights I purchased a mask from a onderful young man and his brother who had a shop butI have since lost their contact information and would love to make contact with rhem again. They made very unusual masks whichthey said were for the Theater productions many were of a more whimsical nature than taditional Venetian masks. If you have an email i could send you a picture of the mask I purchased and you might recognize the style and purhaps the maker si I could contact them again. I would appreciate any help you might be able to give me...thank you
Written 30 December 2020
Hi, is this still open for bookings with the coronavirus outbreak? Everything is still open as normal with this activity?
Written 5 March 2020
Venice is not an affected era and this is a wonderful activity to do.
Written 6 March 2020
Guten Tag, finden am 5. Oktober auch Herstellungskurse statt?
Lg
Written 26 September 2019
Hola, ¿puede reservarse directamente o debe hacerse a través de las empresas touroperadoras? Gracias
Written 23 July 2019
I would like to have my granddaughter do this activity on our visit, but don’t really want to make a mask myself. Is it possible to sign up just one person but be there to observe?
Written 4 March 2019
Yes, my kids did this activity and I could watch through the door while drinking a Prosecco in the courtyard at the restaurant next door. It was ideal.
Written 22 July 2019
I want to book a course for tomorrow but where can I find you? Please response fast, thanks :-)
Written 3 March 2019
cactusjacq
St. Neots, United Kingdom
My 11 year old daughter wants to do this. I will have two other daughters with me who are older. Are they able to come and watch?
Written 25 February 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.