The Venetian island of Murano is known all over the world for a particular art that finds its highest expression here: we are talking about the processing of glass, a technique developed and perfected over the centuries, first in Venice and then in Murano, by the master glassmakers who still carry on this tradition today. A tradition that can be admired in the so-called glass factories, real workshops where works and art objects are born appreciated and sought after both in Italy and abroad. The glass factories of Murano are however not simple forges of artistic glass: in recent years, thanks to mass tourism, these places have opened their doors to the general public, especially to visitors and travelers from all corners of the globe.
The glass factories, from producers of art objects and collectors’ items, have revised their space in a tourist key, adding the part of showroom and exhibition gallery. In some cases, as it happens for us at Ellegi Murano Glass, there is also the offer of tours and guided visits to the glassworks, with live demonstrations of the manufacturing processes of artistic glass objects. An experience that has quickly become viral, with a strong involvement of people of all ages and backgrounds. But what are the best practices to organize a visit to a real glass factory in Murano? How to best enjoy the tour alone or in the company of your family and children? In this article, based on the experience gained, we have collected some useful tips for those who are planning a guided tour of a glass factory like ours. Read on and discover the 5 secrets for a perfect tour!
1) EVALUATE THE TIMING FOR A FULFILLING VISIT
The first piece of advice we want to share concerns logistics and consequently the timing for a rewarding visit. Many do not have a precise idea of where Murano is, and this leads them to underestimate the time factor. If it is true that it takes only a few minutes to reach our glass factory from Venice, it is also true that you need to know where the boarding is (the closest ferry stops, in this regard, are Murano Faro A and Murano Faro B). Once you land, it is easy to continue on foot, know in any case that you can opt for the private boat tour, or the taxi boat ride from Venice to the entrance door of our factory, overlooking the Grand Canal of Murano. (The address of our headquarters, in brackets, is Fondamenta S. Giovanni dei Battuti, 4b/5 Murano).
2) CHECK OPENING TIMES AND BOOK ONLINE
Always on the subject of times and schedules, it is advisable to plan your own travel and visit according to opening hours. These, in our case, vary throughout the year depending on the high and low season, as shown below:
- from 9am to 4pm (April to November)
- from 10 to 15:30 (December to March)
The visit, between reception and demonstration, lasts half an hour, but it is possible to stop at the exhibition gallery to view and buy any works and products. Remember that our factory is able to accommodate families and groups up to 100 people, including children (free entry under 15 years, otherwise the visit costs 5 euros). The demonstration of the ancient techniques of glass processing is curated by the best Murano glass masters. To book, simply follow the instructions on our website.
3) CHOOSE TO JOIN A TOUR IN YOUR LANGUAGE
Our guided tours are attended by people from United States of America, Europe, Russia, Cina and many other countries. This implies a diversified and transversal approach also with regard to languages. Our customers team speak fluent English, French, Italian and can therefore satisfy the curiosity of visitors without any problems or ambiguities. When you book your tour, you can always specify the country of origin, as well as the time and day of arrival. This will allow us to better manage groups of visitors, also according to the language spoken.
4) FOR ANY INFO, CONTACT THE FACTORY IN ADVANCE
Our glass factory is always at work, ready to welcome tourists even before their arrival. For information on the course of the visit, the location, the possibilities to buy and send the glass works, or for special needs, you can always contact us or write an email to ellegimuranoglass@gmail.com, or by calling us at the telephone number 390415274822. If you are interested in visiting the factory and glass processing, we recommend that you fill out the contact form on the dedicated page. Don’t forget that you can follow us on the Facebook page of your Instagram profile. And if that’s not enough, you can watch a short video of a guided tour towards the end of this article!
5) REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN BUY YOUR ARTISTIC GLASS MURANO OBJECT
We conclude this list by talking not so much about the visit as about what happens after the visit. For those who wish, and without any obligation, it is in fact possible to explore our collection within the gallery. No need to move: in the same building there are the hall where the guided tours take place and the showroom, we also have a bathroom and a corner for snacks. In case of bulky or heavy objects, it is possible to use the insured worldwide shipment: once you have purchased your artistic glass Murano object, we take care of the packaging, taking care of every detail so that the package is proof for transport. And if you want a custom-made item, do not worry, you can order it directly here by talking to us and the glassmakers. With Ellegi Glass, the glass factory in Murano, you can enjoy your tour without worrying about anything. Take advantage now!
BLOWN OR CARVED GLASS? IN OUR TOURS YOU SEE BOTH!
To talk about the many reasons for the guided tours of the glass factories of Murano it is important to mention also a little known aspect, related to the type of processing of the glass itself. There are two main types of glass processing:
1) processing of carved (or sculptural) glass, which leads to the creation of small and large sculptures, such as the famous Murano glass horses
2) blown glass processing, the technique to give life to blown glass vases, chandeliers and other more delicate and light creations
In our tours, we show both works directly taken, that is live, on the spot, without filters and without images recorded. Everything takes place in real time before the eyes of the audience, an engaging mode that ensures a higher level of entertainment than any documentary or video. Find out more by reading the reviews of those who came on tour in the page of Ellegi Murano Glass on Google.
BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW IN OUR MURANO FACTORY
Now that you know all about the possibility of making one or more guided tours in a real factory in Murano, you just have to take action and book your tour for 5 euros (free for children up to 15 years). You can do everything online or you can use our telephone contacts, specifically the landline phone at +390415274822 or the mobile phone at +39 3389920554 and +39 3389920554. Bring with you comfortable clothing, water in the summer and everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing visit. We are open all year except the period from 5 January to 15 February, find our schedules, address and full contact details on the page dedicated to the visit of the glassworks.
We are waiting for you with the professionalism and enthusiasm that has always distinguished us, confident of being able to offer you an experience that meets your needs at any time of the year. Contact us without obligation for more information or send an email to ellegimuranoglass@gmail.com. We respond to all within a few hours, if you are already in Venice you can also come in person and book your tour or buy your object in Murano glass in our exhibition gallery! Do not miss the opportunity to experience a quality tour in a real Murano glass factory. The Ellegi Glass team is waiting for you with fun and authentic guided tours, put us to the test and book your next tour in just a few clicks.