Hey there, fellow travelers, if you're headed to Venice in September 2026, then Venice Glass Week 2026 needs to be on your radar. For nine whole days, Venice, Murano, and Mestre become the ultimate destination for all things glass, hosting loads of events that celebrate the incredible art of glass-making that's been around for over a thousand years.
Now in its tenth year, the festival has become a major player on the international scene for contemporary glass art and the age-old Murano glassmaking tradition. Expect to see some truly unique experiences including top-notch exhibitions, live demonstrations, installations, workshops, guided tours, and the chance to meet artists from all over the globe - all of which combine to make for a truly unforgettable adventure for both design buffs and those looking to get under the skin of the real Venice.
In this guide by Venice Insider Guide: here’s everything you need to know about Venice Glass Week 2026, including dates, schedules, tickets, key venues and a few insider tips on how to make the most of your trip.
Venice Glass Week 2026 Dates
Venice Glass Week 2026 kicks off on September 12th and wraps up on September 20th, 2026, giving you nine full days of glass-filled fun in Venice, Murano and Mestre. The dates have now been officially confirmed by the festival folk so you can start making your plans.
September's actually a top time to visit Venice, with the weather still warm and sunny, daylight hours long and the city buzzing with loads of cultural events following the summer lull.
Throughout the nine days of Venice Glass Week 2026, glass will be the common thread running through museums, historic furnaces, art galleries, palaces, workshops and all sorts of public spaces across the lagoon.
What is Venice Glass Week 2026?
Venice Glass Week was set up back in 2017 as an international festival to celebrate and showcase the centuries-old art of Venetian glass-making, with a particular focus on Murano glass.
The festival is run by some of the top cultural institutions in Venice that are dedicated to preserving the city's rich artistic and historical heritage and has become one of the world's top events when it comes to all things glass.
By bringing together:
- The masters of Murano's glassmaking traditions
- Contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of what's possible with glass
- International designers with all sorts of innovative ideas
- Architects with a passion for the art of glass
- Top museums and cultural foundations
- Specialized schools where the next generation of glassmakers are learning their craft
The festival creates a one-off citywide experience that lets visitors get under the skin of a craft that has been passed down through generations.
Venice Glass Week 2026 Schedule
The official Venice Glass Week 2026 schedule will be posted on the festival website over the coming months.
But based on previous years, we can expect to see over 200 events in around 130 venues with hundreds of artists and organizations from all over the world taking part. Last year 165,000 people came to the festival, which shows just how popular it's become.
Each day will have loads of activities to get involved in.
Exhibitions of Contemporary Glass Art
Museums and galleries will show off some truly amazing works by top glass artists as well as up-and-coming talent.
Watching Glass Being Made in the Murano Furnaces
One of the highlights of the festival is getting to watch master glassmakers in action inside some of Murano's historic furnaces.
Workshops
Get hands-on and learn some traditional glass-making techniques directly from the Murano masters.
Conferences and Talks
Listen to lectures and discussions on the history of glass-making in Venice, contemporary design, sustainability and all sorts of other related topics.
Art Installations
The whole city will be transformed into an open-air gallery with loads of temporary installations celebrating the beauty and versatility of glass.
Where Does Venice Glass Week 2026 Take Place?
One of the things that sets the festival apart is its citywide format.
Rather than just taking place in one venue, events are spread all over Venice and the surrounding lagoon.
Murano
Murano is, of course, the heart of the festival.
This is where the world-famous Murano glass tradition was born and where you'll find loads of historic furnaces that are still home to skilled glassmakers today. During the festival, many of these workshops open their doors to visitors for special demonstrations and guided tours.
Historic Centre of Venice
loads of museums, foundations, art galleries and historic Venetian palaces host temporary exhibitions, artistic performances, lectures and cultural events.
As you wander through San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio and Castello you'll stumble upon installations and exhibitions just about everywhere you look.
Mestre
Mestre has become an increasingly important part of the festival in recent years, with more and more venues getting on board and making it even more accessible to visitors.
Venice Glass Week 2026 Tickets
One of the things people ask us most is about tickets.The good news is that loads of Venice Glass Week 2026 events are free - you don't have to break the bank to get involved.
You can check out numerous exhibitions, installations and displays for free, but some activities like workshops or exclusive experiences may require:
- Advance booking, so plan ahead
- A ticket to get into the museum
- A participation fee - it's a small price to pay for some of the exclusive experiences on offer
For this reason, it's a good idea to check the official festival schedule as soon as it's up and running so you can see what's on and what you need to pay for.
Why visit Venice Glass Week 2026?
Visiting Venice Glass Week 2026 is a real game-changer. It gives you the chance to see Venice from a completely new perspective - the one that's behind the scenes of its world famous glassmaking industry.
This festival is more than just a bunch of art - it's an opportunity to learn about the cultural, artistic and historical importance of glassmaking - and how it helped make the Venetian Republic so wealthy and influential for centuries.
During the festival you can:
- Meet the master glassmakers who are the backbone of Murano's industry\
- Visit places that are usually off-limits to the public\
- Watch up close and personal as glassmakers do their magic\
- Buy unique artworks direct from the artists who made them\
- Enjoy some exclusive cultural experiences that will stay with you long after the festival is over
And it's also a great time to visit Murano, when the island is buzzing with energy and full of special events.
What to see during Venice Glass Week 2026
As well as the main festival events, this is the perfect time to explore some of Venice's glass-related attractions that you might not have discovered otherwise.
Some of the highlights include:
- The world class Murano Glass Museum
- Historic glass furnaces that are a testament to the island's rich history
- Master glassmakers' private showrooms that are a must-see for any glass enthusiast
- Galleries showcasing the best in contemporary design
- Special exhibitions held in some of Venice's most historic palaces
It's also not uncommon for artists to create site-specific installations especially for the festival - so you can be sure that each and every edition is going to be different.
How to get around during the Venice Glass Week 2026
Getting to the various Venice Glass Week 2026 venues is easy thanks to Venice's excellent public transport system.
Murano and Mestre are connected to Venice by water bus and train - so you've got plenty of options when it comes to getting around.
It's worth planning your itinerary in advance, as some of the events are a little way from the city centre - but many visitors find that it's worth it to see everything that the festival has to offer.
Venice Glass Week 2026: Tips for planning your visit
To make the most of Venice Glass Week 2026, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind.
First of all, book your accommodation well in advance - September is one of the busiest months of the year in Venice.
Next, check the official festival schedule as soon as it's released - and pick out the events that interest you most.
Try to budget at least a day to explore Murano - it's where the magic of glassmaking really comes alive.
If you're keen on exclusive workshops, book early - they're usually very popular and the places are limited.
And finally, wear comfy shoes - as you'll probably be doing a lot of walking during the festival!
Venice Glass Week 2026 FAQs
When is Venice Glass Week 2026?
The festival takes place from September 12 to September 20, 2026 - so mark those dates in your diary.
Where is the festival held?
Events are taking place all over Venice, Murano and Mestre - so you'll have plenty to see and do.
Do I need to buy tickets?
Some events are free, while others require booking or admission to the hosting museum - so it's worth checking out the details beforehand.
How long does the festival last?
The festival runs for an impressive nine days - so you'll have plenty of time to take it all in.
Is it worth visiting Murano during the festival?
Absolutely - it's a great time to see the master glassmakers in action and enjoy some of the special events on offer.
When will the full program be available?
The official schedule will be published gradually on the festival's official website in the months leading up to the event - so keep an eye out for it.
Venice Glass Week 2026: the must-see event in Venice
The tenth edition of Venice Glass Week 2026 promises to be a real celebration of one of Venice's most treasured artisan traditions. With a rich and varied programme of exhibitions, installations, live furnace demonstrations, workshops and cultural events, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Whether you're an art lover, a design enthusiast or just curious, adding Venice Glass Week 2026 to your Venice itinerary is a great way to experience the city from a fresh and authentic angle.
From historic palaces and museums to traditional glass furnaces and hidden workshops, every day of the festival will reveal a new and fascinating side of Venice's incredible artistic heritage.
Stay tuned for more travel inspiration and insider tips from Venice Insider Guide.