Mascareri

La Bottega dei Mascareri is a Venetian mask-making workshop founded by brothers Sergio and Massimo Boldrin in 1984. Located near the Rialto Bridge, the family-run atelier creates handmade masks, primarily in papier-mâché, drawing on Venice’s theatrical and carnival traditions. Its collection includes playful jester and goblin designs, characters from Commedia dell’Arte such as Pantalone, Zanni and Arlecchino, and traditional Venetian baute and morete.

The workshop also produces sun and moon masks decorated with gold leaf, and was among the first to use decorative motifs inspired by the work of Tiepolo. The Boldrins’ creations have featured in film, fashion projects and theatrical productions, including work for the California Shakespeare Festival, and they have collaborated with the Venice Carnival. Their masks are held in collections in Italy and abroad, and the workshop has taken part in exhibitions and cultural events internationally.

Visitors can explore the artisans’ mask-making process through videos and discover the workshop’s exhibitions, events and publications