The Glass Cathedral - Santa Chiara Murano

The Glass Cathedral - Santa Chiara Murano Experience

The Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara Murano - a newly restored medieval church on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy - offers visitors an experience of authentic Murano glass and Venetian arts and culture such as does not exist anywhere else in Venice.  Here you can see live demonstrations of Murano glass making by contemporary glass masters, attend our amazing masquerade balls, musical and theatrical performances, create your own perfumes and shop our collection of real Murano glass.

​Experience the Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara

The History of Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara

The Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara is one of the most ancient structures on the Island of Murano in Venice, built before the Doge's decree of 1291 ordered all of the glass masters to locate their furnaces here. Originally known as San Nicolo della Torre, the complex was home to group of Augustinian Monks from as early 1231.  In the mid-fourteenth century it passed to a group of Benedictine nuns who were, shortly thereafter, expelled from the place due to scandalous conduct.  They were replaced by the Franciscan nuns of Santa Chiara, from whom the Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara also took its name.

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Masquerade Balls at The Glass Cathedral - Santa Chiara

Immerse yourself in the magic of one of our famous Venetian masquerade balls.  Happening just three times per year, each ball is an enchanting once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring gourmet meals, elegant costumes and a progression of music that keeps the ball rolling all night long.

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Murano Glass at The Glass Cathedral - Santa Chiara Murano

Every piece of Murano glass in our collection, from the classic to the contemporary, is inspired the more than 1000 years of the practice of this art in Venice and on the Island of Murano.  The Venetian glass masters have been the global pioneers of glass arts since at least the year 998 A.D. and Murano has been the center of this art in Venice since 1291. Our own Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara once housed the glass factory of Fratelli Marietti Milan.  

Explore Our Collection of Murano Glass

Plan Your Event at The Glass Cathedral - Santa Chiara Murano

The Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara has recently undergone an extensive renovation, transforming it into a perfect location for hosting events and parties.  

• A spacious historic venue
• A convenient location
• A large & adaptable two-story space
• Comfortably and functionally equipped with a bar, private courtyard and furnishings

Plan Your Event At The Glass Cathedral - Santa Chiara