Ca’ Macana

Ca’ Macana is one of the oldest and finest mask making workshops in Venice. They are known for one main reason: respect for tradition. However, they have been able to interpret tradition in innovative ways, creating new and unique decorative styles and shapes.

They craft authentic handmade masks in the same way Venetian artisans would do 800 years ago. On the other hand, they never repeat a decoration, so each mask is unique. Their masks were featured in important film productions like Eyes Wide Shut by Stanley Kubrick and theatres like the Vienna Opera Haus.

Thanks to the experience gained, today they also held conferences and courses on the history of Venetian masks and traditional mask-­making techniques.

SHORT HISTORY
Ca’ Macana began making masks in 1984, when the Venice Carnival was making a comeback after two centuries of decline.

They created their first models for fun, but also as a way to make some money, selling their models on the streets of Venice in the evening, when there were fewer policemen around.

Bringing an ancient craft back to life and turning a game into a real work was, and still is today, the most wonderful job in the world! Furthermore, rediscovering the meaning and the history of this old mask-craft was absolutely fascinating.

Ca’ Macana follows the original technique used by Venetians 800 years ago. The materials are simple and the work is done by hand, with very few tools.

HOW TO GET THERE
The nearest vaporetto station is Ca’ Rezzonico, and you can get there with the waterbus of Line 1 ACTV.

From there, you can walk for about 220 meters, reaching Ca’ Macana on Calle de le Boteghe. For walking directions, you can use the map below.