Italian guided tour: Ca' Macana Venetian masks workshop
Take a tour of an authentic Venetian masks workshop: the Ca’ Macana experts will share their know-how, showing all the phases of this ancient process. The secrets and peculiar tricks of this timeless art will be unveiled. In the workspace, located in Dorsoduro, visitors will have the fun and unique opportunity of watching a Venetian mascarero design and handcraft a papier-mâché mask from the plaster mould, then decorate it using one of many different professional techniques. The mask will be painted in the most traditional ways or creatively modified using feathers, rhinestones and other materials. In addition, participants will learn about the tradition and history of Venetian masks.
Family friendly Venetian heritage Festive Venice In action
Ca' Macana
Mask makingRevitalising the ancient tradition of Venetian masksThe ancient tradition of papier-mâché Venetian masks seemed to have vanished, when the Venetian Carnival was reviving, Mario Belloni and Antonella Masnata decided to try and recover their ancient techniques. In 1986, they founded Ca’ Macana, a family-run atelier. They began to create and sell entirely handmade masks. Ca’ Macana has collaborated with important movie and film productions (among them, Eyes Wide Shut by Kubrick) and theatres. Their production ranges from classic Venetian masks (such as “moretta” and “bauta”, reproduced from paintings by Pietro Longhi and Francesco Guardi and the series of Commedia dell’Arte) to unique contemporary pieces, always using the “ancient technique”. A plaster mould made after a sculpted clay model is filled with multiple layers of a special blotting paper imbued with water and glue. When it’s dry, the mask is covered with white acrylic paint and then decorated.
Audio guide
A free audio guide, available to stream from 10 April to 1 May, will enhance your experience of Homo Faber in Citta. Discover more about Venice, its crafts workshops and its heritage as a city of craftsmanship, to complement your personal tour.
ListenWhere you'll be
30123, Venice
+39 041 5203 229 Send an email Website
Things to know
- Guest requirements
Please stay informed about the latest Covid safety requirements in Venice and comply with any requests from the venues you visit, to ensure the safety of yourself and the participating artisans.
- When to arrive
Make sure you arrive on time at each venue (although no more than ten minutes early), to make the most of your experience and the artisan’s time. Please call the venue ahead of time if you are likely to be late.
- Cancellation policy
Please let us know if you wish to cancel your booking so that we may offer the opportunity to another visitor. Cancel or rebook directly on your account or via your confirmation or reminder email. If cancelling on the day of your event, kindly inform the venue by telephone.
