Ca' Macana

Dorsoduro 3172

About

Masks of all kinds are available at Ca' Macana, one of the best-known mask-making studios in Venice. They produce a wide range of masks including favorites as Pulcinella (Punch), the Bauta, the Plague Doctor and the colored, gilded eye-masks. Many of them can be spotted in Tiepolo paintings. Their main shop is located close to Campo San Barnaba. In the nearby workshop, the owner organizes courses teaching the theory and the practice of mask making and explaining how to prepare papier-mâché decorations. Ca' Macana also offers short conferences on the history of Carnival and the meaning of wearing a mask in ordinary life in Venice. - Maria Frullini