Murano Glass Museum

Accessible by Vaporetto at the stop “Museo Murano”, The Murano Glass Museum or Museo del Vetro, is one of the must-see attractions in Murano. The Museum exhibits the History of Glass Making, including a major part about Murano Glass.

The building of the Museum is the Palazzo Giustinian, a palace that has been the residence of Venetian bishops for centuries. Bishops of Torcello, and especially Bishop Marco Giustinian in 1659, who later on bought the building and gave it to the Torcello Diocese. As such, the building of the Palazzo Giustinian became the Museo del Vetro only in 1861.

The foundation of the Museo del Vetro can be attributed to two passionate Murano glass enthusiasts: Antonio Colleoni major of the island and Abbot Vincenzo Zanetti. Just a year after of initiating the Museo del Vetro project, in 1862, Vincenzo Zanetti also created a school dedicated to the art of Glassmaking. These decisions helped to give second birth to the Murano glass making traditions by putting the art of Murano glass making under the spotlight.

In 1923, when Murano became a Frazione (Neighborhood) of Venice, The Museum became part of the Venetian Civics Museums. The Museum has mainly enriched its collection thanks to the donations of local artists. Even these days, Murano Glassmakers are still giving some of their masterpieces, supporting the Museum, and keeping its collection up to date.

Now that you know have more information about the Murano Glass Museum, we would like to invite you to discover online all the beautiful contemporary glassworks that Murano glass artists can offer. The best part? All the displayed artworks can be purchased online and your purchase supports directly the artists in Murano to keep their Murano glassmaking traditions alive.