Martina Vidal and her family welcome visitors for a guided tour of their atelier and museum, to discover the history and craftsmanship of Burano lace making, from the traditional knowledge to the modern production. For one piece of lace, seven lace makers used to be involved and today the time needed to make a piece of lace by one lace maker often exceeds a week. The museum showcases ancient lace pieces like tablecloths, centerpieces, collars, linen, handkerchiefs, fans and wedding veils, which used to embellish the most prestigious mansions of Europe and adorn sophisticated people.
Threads of Venice Venetian heritage For your eyes
Keeping the ancient tradition of Venetian lacemaking alive in BuranoA veritable cultural landmark in Burano – the island of the Venetian lagoon well known for it's colourful fishermen's houses – Martina Vidal is a linen atelier created by Martina and her brother Sergio to preserve one of the most ancient traditions of their family and of their island: Venetian lace. The once small artisanal workshop is now a three-storey building where the most demanding and passionate customers can not only buy but also learn everything about the ancient art of Venetian lace, possibly even meet some of the few lace makers still active on the island. The Martina Vidal Atelier is housed in the fascinating Palazzo dei Pittori, which used to be a meeting place for many artists of the Venetian painting school. The historical building also has a small museum with an exquisite collection of antique lace and a showroom with the Martina Vidal modern creations of needle lace – tablecloths, doilies, sheets, handkerchiefs, fans and bridal veils – as well as a wide range of other luxury linen products for the house and for individuals.
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.
ListenPlease 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.
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.
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.