


Wave Murano Glass Srl - Factory, Experiences & Curated Tours
About
Watch master artisans transform molten glass into stunning Venetian treasures at this authentic Murano glass factory on the famous island of Murano. Kids will be mesmerized by live glassblowing demonstrations where they can see glowing orange glass shaped into beautiful sculptures, and families can even participate in hands-on workshops to create their own glass keepsakes to bring home.
Highlights
- ✓Live glassblowing demonstrations where kids can watch artisans shape molten glass at 1000+ degrees
- ✓Hands-on workshops where families can create their own glass beads, ornaments, or small sculptures under expert guidance
- ✓Stunning gallery showcasing intricate Venetian glass art, from traditional to contemporary designs
- ✓Opportunity to learn about centuries-old Murano glassmaking traditions and techniques
- ✓Beautiful island setting with picturesque canals and colorful buildings to explore before or after your visit
Pro Tips
- 1.Book your tour or workshop in advance online, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak summer months. English-language tours are available but confirm when booking.
- 2.Arrive via vaporetto (water bus) lines 4.1, 4.2, or 12 to Murano Faro stop. The factory is a short walk from the dock, making it an easy excursion from Venice proper.
- 3.Visit during the morning sessions (8:00-10:00 AM or 10:15 AM) when kids are fresh and the demonstrations are often less crowded than afternoon slots.
- 4.The factory can get warm due to the furnaces, so dress in layers and bring water bottles. The gift shop has incredible glass pieces, so set expectations with kids about purchases beforehand.
- 5.Combine your visit with exploring Murano island itself. The island is small, safe for walking, and has colorful canals perfect for photos and ice cream breaks.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Monday through Friday, 8:00-10:00 AM) for smaller crowds and more personalized attention during demonstrations. Avoid peak summer afternoons (July-August) when tour groups are largest. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
What to Know
Tours and demonstrations are typically free to watch, but hands-on workshops require advance booking and fees vary by project (usually 30-80 euros per person). The venue is located on an island requiring a water bus ride from Venice, so factor in vaporetto tickets (buy a day pass if exploring multiple islands). Note that Sunday is closed.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round except Sundays. Summer months (June-August) are busiest with international tourists, so book well in advance. Winter visits (November-February) offer a more intimate experience with shorter wait times. The factory occasionally closes for Italian holidays, so check their schedule before visiting during major holiday periods.
Nearby Eats
Trattoria Busa alla Torre da Lele (5-minute walk) offers simple, family-friendly Italian dishes with outdoor seating and reasonable prices. For a quick bite, grab pizza al taglio (by the slice) and gelato from shops along Fondamenta dei Vetrai, the main street, which also has cafes with high chairs and kid menus.
More Activities Near Venice
Burano
Burano is a magical fairytale island where every house is painted in brilliant rainbow colors, creating a photographer's dream and a visual feast that captivates children of all ages. This peaceful fishing village offers a slower pace than crowded Venice, with safe pedestrian-only streets perfect for little ones to explore, traditional lace-making demonstrations that fascinate curious minds, and authentic Italian trattorias serving fresh seafood and pasta.
Torcello
Torcello offers a refreshing escape from Venice's crowds with wide open spaces perfect for kids to roam freely. This peaceful lagoon island combines easy historical exploration at the ancient basilica with scenic countryside walks and plenty of room for children to stretch their legs without the stress of navigating Venice's busy canals and bridges.
Basilica dei Frari
This magnificent Gothic church in Venice's San Polo district offers families a peaceful break from crowded tourist spots while introducing children to Renaissance masterpieces in an authentic setting. The soaring architecture, intricate wooden choir stalls, and dramatic paintings provide a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about art history and Venetian culture in a less overwhelming environment than larger museums.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
This stunning 16th-century confraternity building showcases one of Venice's greatest artistic treasures: over 50 dramatic paintings by Tintoretto covering walls and ceilings in opulent gold-trimmed rooms. While best appreciated by older children and teens who can understand the biblical stories and artistic techniques, the sheer grandeur of the ornate spaces and the treasure hunt aspect of finding details in the massive canvases can captivate curious young minds.