MaMa Salvadore Murano
Fodor's choice
To see more of glassmaking's artistic side, visit this gallery/shop that highlights works from international contemporary glass artists.
10 Best Shopping in Venice, Italy
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It’s no secret that Venice offers some excellent shopping opportunities, but the best of them are often not the most conspicuous. Look beyond the ubiquitous street vendors and the hundreds of virtually indistinguishable purse, glass, and lace shops that line the calli, and you’ll discover a bounty of unique and delightful treasures—some might be kitschy, but much will show off the high level of craftsmanship for which Venice has long been known.
Alluring shops abound. You'll find countless vendors of trademark Venetian wares such as Murano glass and Burano lace; the authenticity of some goods can be suspect, but they're often pleasing to the eye regardless of their heritage. For more sophisticated tastes (and deeper pockets), there are jewelers, antiques dealers, and high-fashion boutiques on a par with those in Italy's larger cities but often maintaining a uniquely Venetian flair. Don’t ignore the contemporary, either: Venice's artisan heritage lives on in the hand and eye of the today’s designers—no matter where they hail from.
While the labyrinthine city center can seem filled with imposing high-fashion emporiums and fancy glass shops, individual craftspeople often working off the main thoroughfares produce much of what is worth taking home from Venice. In their workshops artful stationery is printed with antique plates; individual pairs of shoes are adroitly constructed; jewelry is handcrafted; fine fabrics are skillfully woven; bronze is poured to make gondola décor, and iron is worked into fanali lanterns; paper is glued, pressed, and shaped into masks; and oars and forcola oarlocks are hewn and sculpted in the workshops of remér wood craftsmen.
MuranoVitrum
San Marco
Fodor's choice
You'll find Murano-made glassworks, including glasses, vases, chandeliers, mirrors, and sculptures, in this friendly family-owned shop.
Salviati
Fodor's choice
One of the oldest and most prestigious Italian glassmakers (founded in 1859), Salviati partners with renowned international designers, including Tom Dixon, to create beautiful contemporary pieces.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Simone Cenedese
Fodor's choice
This talented second-generation glass master produces intricately designed and often whimsical glass chandeliers and sculptures.
Berengo Studio
In addition to contemporary fine-art glass, this high-end manufacturer gives tours of its Murano factory, something that most studios in this elite category do not do.
Domus Vetri D'Arte
Vases, sculptures, objects, and jewelry from one of Murano's best glassworks are on offer.
L'Isola
San Marco
This lovely store features chic, contemporary glassware designed in the style of Murano master Carlo Moretti.
Massimiliano Caldarone
Cannaregio
Hailing from Turin, Massimiliano shows his love of his adopted city and Murano glassmaking in his eclectic lampwork creations. Pop in to see him at work, commission a piece, or browse the glassware, which varies from elegant wine glasses and sculptures to nautical-theme pieces and saucily themed jewelry.
Stefano Morasso Studio
For exquisite, vibrantly colored handmade glass and a meeting with the artist Stefano and his wife Nicoletta, seek out the serene convent cloister of the Santi Cosma e Damiano. Call in advance to make sure the studio is open.
Vetrofantasia Di Fuin Michele
Castello
Pop in and see Michele at work in his workshop and browse the wonderful glass creations, including various jewelry pieces and glass-ball bottle stoppers. The vibrant handcrafted objects here are far more affordable than in many overpriced glass outlets in Venice.
