When you stroll through Murano, you’ll see gorgeous glassware in almost every shop window, from tiny keepsakes to massive chandeliers. The island has a long history of glassmaking, and its canals, colorful buildings, and artisan shops make it a fascinating place to explore.
We spent an entire day exploring Murano, wandering along the canals and admiring the beautiful glass on display. But there was one thing we missed: a live glassblowing demonstration.
We’d assumed all the glass factories offered tours, so we expected to come across a demonstration as we explored. Unfortunately, we assumed wrong.
What to Expect at a Murano Glass Factory
Nobody had told us that you can’t just walk into any of Murano’s fornaci (glassmaking workshops) and expect a demonstration. Being working furnaces, most are not set up to welcome visitors. And of the ones that do, some require reservations.
If you’re wanting to watch them create that exquisite Murano glass while you’re in Venice, Ellegi Glass opens its glassworks to visitors and combines a live demonstration with access to its showroom.
During your visit, you’ll sit on tiered seats facing the furnace as a master glassmaker demonstrates two techniques: blown glass and hot-molded glasswork. A guide explains the stages in your language, so you won’t need any background in glassmaking to follow along.
Glassmakers have to work quickly and precisely while the glass is hot enough to shape. You can see how each movement changes the material before it cools and compare the two techniques during the glassware visit.
It’s a short demonstration, so it’s easy to fit into a day on Murano.
Inside a Murano Glass Showroom
After the demonstration, you can see the finished work up close in the two-floor showroom. The ground floor features smaller pieces such as gifts and jewelry, while upstairs you’ll find larger works, including vases, sculptures, chandeliers, and mirrors.
Ellegi displays glassware from its own furnace alongside pieces from other Murano artisans who work with the company. These items are handmade rather than mass-produced. According to the factory, the products carry labels that certify their Murano origin.
If you want a small keepsake, take a look at the jewelry and decorative gifts. If you’re interested in interior design, allow extra time for the larger artworks and furnishings upstairs.
Buying and Shipping Murano Glass
Small glass souvenirs may fit in your bag, but carrying a mirror, sculpture, or chandelier home is another matter. Large or delicate pieces need careful packing and transport.
Most showrooms offer shipping to addresses in Italy and abroad, with insured delivery available. That means you don’t have to carry a fragile purchase through the rest of your trip.
You can buy Murano glass directly from the showroom or order a custom piece. Showroom staff can explain the pieces and discuss available options. If you have a particular size or design in mind, ask if the company can make it to order.
How to Visit Ellegi Glass
You’ll find the glassworks at Fondamenta S. Giovanni dei Battuti, 4b/5, on Murano, beside the canal. The Murano Faro vaporetto stop is about 300 meters away, according to the factory. You can reach Murano from Venice or Burano by public boat or water taxi.
At the time of writing (November 2026), admission to the standard demonstration costs €5 per person, payable at the entrance. Children under 15 enter free.
The factory’s current booking page lists visits seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with each demonstration lasting about 10 minutes. Its published closure dates are December 24–26, the morning of December 31, and January 7–February 7. These details may change, so check the booking page for current hours and closures before you go.
You can reserve through the company’s website, sometimes as little as 10 minutes before arrival. If your group has more than 15 people, email the factory and wait for confirmation before visiting. Keep your booking confirmation to show when you arrive.
Plan Your Murano Glass Factory Visit
You can admire Murano glass in shop windows across the island, but a factory visit shows you the work behind the finished pieces. Seeing a glassmaker shape hot glass makes the craft easier to appreciate.
At Ellegi Glass, the furnace and showroom share one location. You can see a live demonstration, then browse the pieces on display. If that appeals to you, check the current visit details and reserve a time that suits your day on Murano.
