Venice Glass Week was founded in 2017 to celebrate and revitalize the historic art of glassmaking in Venice and Murano.
The festival emerged in response to growing concerns about the decline of traditional glass production in Murano, as economic pressures and globalization threatened the sustainability of local workshops.
From its first edition, the festival aimed to reconnect contemporary audiences with glass as both craft and art.
Over the years, it expanded rapidly, attracting international participants and institutions. The number of exhibitions, installations, and participating artists grew significantly, transforming the event into a global reference point for glass art.
Venice’s unique history as a center of glass production dates back to the 13th century, when glassmakers were moved to Murano to protect trade secrets and prevent fires in the city.
Murano glass became synonymous with luxury, innovation, and technical mastery, influencing glassmaking traditions across Europe.
Venice Glass Week builds upon this legacy, but does not remain confined to it. The festival actively integrates contemporary practices, digital experimentation, and cross-disciplinary approaches.
Today, it serves as both a preservation initiative and a forward-looking platform.
It demonstrates that traditional craft can remain relevant when connected to contemporary artistic discourse.
