Take a course on mask making from a master artisan in Venice, and learn about the history of this ancient tradition. You can choose from a production class or a decoration class, or you can even take both. In the production class, learn how to make your own papier-mâché mask, and in the decoration class, you can paint or use materials to decorate your mask. No matter which option you choose, you get to bring home your creation—just in time for Carnival.

Carnival mask-making class in Venice
Choose between a production or decoration class, or take both
Learn the ancient technique of making a papier-mâché mask (production class only)
Paint and decorate your mask, if you chose decoration class
Keep your mask after you create it

What's Included

Course of decoration (you will keep the decorated mask)
All necessary paints and supplies
Live commentary

Hotel pickup

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

San Marco 596 Venetian Masks
P.za San Marco, 598, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Facing 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.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
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)
The customers health is the most important matter for us, the tour operates in according to the Covid-19 National directives in order to guarantee the experiences in a safe environment.
All customer touchpoints are frequently cleaned, and the tour will leave with small groups.
Near public transportation

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Traveler Tips

If you're looking for a personalized experience that is family friendly and memorable, choose this family owned adventure!

You are able to choose a mask and then take home your product.

would highly recommend this activity, especially to families with children.

Reviews

4.5

288 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 288 reviews

Loved it

Hildursa_O, Sep 2023

The artisan guided us to how we could set up and paint beautiful masks, while also telling us interesting facts about the importance of masks in Venice. We loved the experience of painting our masks, and once the experienced artisan had added the decorations they were immediately transformed into a piece of art.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Great immersive experience

Alan_A, Sep 2023

Very fun morning. Instructor was very nice. He explained what each mask symbolized, history, and applicable color schemes. We picked a mask to paint from over a dozen different designs. We gained a real appreciation for the artisan elements involved. We bought several as gifts (they ship).

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Worthy experience

OmairLiaquat_A, Aug 2023

The owner was absolutely sweet and well versed in mask making, highly enjoyed the experience and will definitely recommend others.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Mask-Making that reflected our personalities 😁

Wini, Aug 2023

With a little help and great direction from our host, we had great fun creating masks we were thrilled to have made!😁👍

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thanks for your kind review

A fun experience, but don't expect a lesson

Suzanne_L, Jul 2023

We really enjoyed getting to do something a little bit more hands-on on this trip, by painting our own masks and the details added by the professional mask-maker made the end result turn out beautifully — my husband had been a bit concerned about that, since he hadn't done this kind of thing since middle school arts and crafts, but it's really just a question of painting within the lines. We chose the last time-slot, so the class understandably started a bit late. That was fine, but I was at least a little disappointed by the fact that contrary to what some reviews had said, the mask-maker didn't really talk to us about the history of masks in Venice while we were painting. He did share some details on certain types of masks afterwards, but it was minimal. Still, I definitely don't regret the experience; it's just good to know what to expect going in.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for the review. Please consider that the decoration course, held by a professional mask maker, is appreciated by the clients. Regards.

A Highlight of Our Trip!

James_R, Jul 2023

This was an fantastic experience while in Venice. My wife and I did this as a couple, but it would also be a good experience for families. The owner has a very cool shop with lots of masks. For the class you get to pick which style of mask you would like, as well as the colors to paint your mask. He assists you by sketching out a design as well as doing some of the intricate decorations after you're done the painting. Ours turned out really well, and we even bought one of the ones he had made because my wife liked it so much. Fantastic experience that I would highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Very interesting

julie_t, Jul 2023

Very informative learning to make Venetian mask. You the choices of colors. You can use painting skills and the mask shop very unique and beautiful masks for purchase too.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Venetian Masks

NataliaSimon, Jul 2023

This is a great option if you want to spend an hour painting masks in a small family-owned shop. We were the only guests at that time, and enjoyed some entertaining and informative attention from our host. We recommend it!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Worth the experience

Katie_W, Jul 2023

What a fun and unique experience learning about the Venetian mask history and creating your own masterpiece!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for your kind review

VERY VERY disappointed!

Megan_T, Jul 2023

We were extremely disappointed. When we arrived with our 12 year old we were told we could stay in the shop for 10 minutes but then had to leave which didn't feel very welcoming...or safe. The man working told my daughter to choose a mask and he took a pencil and divided it into 4 quadrants. He allowed her to pick 3 colors and said to color each quadrant one color. She had to put 3 coats on. Then he took the mask and proceeded to put all the delicate details on the mask FOR her. While she was painting he sat outside and talked on the phone and vaped. There was NO sort of class. She just painted 4 triangles and that was it. She and I were both very disappointed and would NOT recommend this class to anyone....especially for $80!!!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Dear Guest, we are deeply sorry for your personal comment, please consider that the decoration course, held by a professional mask maker, is appreciated by the clients. At your disposal for further information. Regards.

Bravo Jo Jo

Brett_A, Jul 2023

My niece nephew and I loved Jo Jo and the class. We decorated masks that will remind us of our time in Venice

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for the review

Amazing despite the inconvenience

Brandy_P, Jul 2023

Great hands on experience. There was a mix-up with the booking so only 4 of our 6 were able to participate but not at the same time. We were split into two groups of 2 an hour apart. Besides this inconvenience, the class was amazing.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Amazing experience

Sophie_W, Jun 2023

This was a really lovely experience. The man running it was a very knowledgeable and funny guy and his detailing was very impressive. As someone with limited artistic talents, I was surprised at how straightforward it was to decorate and was really pleased with how it turned it, there’s a range of masks to choose from and a large range of colours. Perfect for people of all ages and abilities, would 100% recommend for anyone visiting Venice- it’s a must!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for the review

A Must Do in Venice for everyone.

Jacqueline_W, Jun 2023

6/5 stars!! A must for all ages! My 18 year old daughter and I loved the experience in this tiny studio. Giorgio and his family have owned the business for over a century and it shows! We had so much fun, surrounded by years of craft and expertise. Bonus: Giorgio’s cousin is the manager at the fabulous Murano factory and museum just minutes from the studio. He arranged a private tour and glass blowing show which was INCREDIBLE. Highlight of our trip!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Fun Activity

Angela_P, Jun 2023

The was a great class. The shop was very small but it was cute. The owner/teacher was very helpful and engaging. We really enjoyed this non-traditional activity. It’s is also for any skill level. The owner and his family are true artists. This activity is a must. It doesn’t take a lot of time and you get to take home a really cool mask that you made.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Lovely kid activity

Kris_N, Jun 2023

Lovely experience with my daughter. The masks were a great souvenir of this beautiful city. Happy to support a local artisan at the same time. Thank you!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for the review

Great experience

Stacie_P, Jun 2023

We really enjoyed making the masks and we even bought several masks at the store for souvenirs. We would definitely recommend this activity in Venice.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Great for all ages

Amanda_B, Jun 2023

Such an incredible experience to make a mask in this beloved family shop. Our son loved to have the chance to make one under the watchful eye and guidance of the mask maker.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for your kind review

Nice but expensive for the overall experience

Karen_D, Jun 2023

The workshop was good. The artist was nice and helpful, but for the amount we spent, it felt underwhelming. We merely painted a mask with acrylic. I was hoping for more like feathers, sequins, glitter, etc. I also wish I could have booked for just my two sons, but an adult had to join. However, my sons love their masks and its a nice keepsake for them.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for the review. Please consider that the commentary of the mask maker, rich of interesting curiosities about the history of Venice Carnival mask, and the decoration course are appreciated by the clients. Regards.

Something different to do in Venice

Celso_S, Jun 2023

Great experience in Venice. So much fun, recommended for any age from teen to senior citizens. Great Venician masks for sell.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for your kind review

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