A tour of the atelier where the costumes for the Venetian Carnival are made.
When it comes to the Venetian Carnival, period clothing and masks are the undisputed heroes.
But where and how are the Venetian Carnival costumes made?
To answer this question, we invite you to step into the magnificent Venetian Atelier of Historical Costumes and Artisan Masks.
At the Atelier of Masks and Costumes of the Venetian Carnival in Venice: Discover a magical world
At the Atelier, just a 10-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, the atmosphere of 18th-century Venice seems to come alive – the antique costumes, masks and accessories are a reminder of this. The workshop is one of the few that work according to the old traditions. In this way you can appreciate the value of the art of craftsmanship, indispensable in the making of Venetian masks, which still survive in recent times among the industrially produced masks brought from afar.
The masters will reveal to you the secrets of their craft in the making of ancient masks and costumes of the Venetian carnival.
You will learn about the historical roots of Carnival, the fashion of past centuries in Venice and the fine work of the craftsmen, whose models combine creativity, historical research and excellent technical skills.
You will learn about the history and techniques of traditional Venetian and Commedia dell’Arte costumes. These handmade masterpieces, true works of art, can be seen every year on the streets of the city. Everyone can rent a costume in this atelier for one day and participate in the masquerade balls in Venice.
You will also be told interesting and curious historical and modern facts about Carnival, from the unique point of view of the creators of beautiful handmade clothes and accessories.
Then we will talk about the Venetian mask, its history, types and the process of creation and decoration. You will be told about it by a master in the atelier during a practical demonstration of making a beautiful traditional mask, which you may see later in some corner of Venice during the carnival.
You can request an assistant – interpreter from our managers.
