La Bottega Dei Mascareri — Local services in Venice

Imagine wandering through the enchanting labyrinth of Venice and stumbling upon a treasure trove of artistry and tradition: La Bottega dei Mascareri. This isn’t just any mask shop; it’s a portal into the rich history of Venetian carnival, a place where the magic of Venice comes alive through the hands of a master craftsman.

At the heart of this atelier is Sergio Boldrin, a virtuoso mask maker whose creations have graced the silver screen in various feature films. Watching Sergio at work is akin to witnessing a maestro conduct an orchestra. Right before my eyes, he handcrafted and painted exquisite masks, each brushstroke a testament to his unparalleled skill and passion. It’s rare to see such authenticity in our modern world, and Sergio’s dedication to his craft is truly inspiring.

Taking home one of Sergio’s masks felt like bringing a piece of Hollywood history and Venetian tradition with me. These masks aren’t just souvenirs; they are small pieces of Venetian carnival history, embodying the spirit and allure of this enchanting city. Each mask tells a story, a story that Sergio breathes life into with every detail.

As I watched him paint, I was mesmerized by the intricate designs and vibrant colors, each mask a unique masterpiece. It’s clear that Sergio Boldrin is a true master craftsman, his work a beautiful blend of art and history. This mask now hangs proudly in my home, a constant reminder of the magic of Venice and the unforgettable experience of witnessing a master at work.

If you find yourself in Venice, a visit to La Bottega dei Mascareri is an absolute must. It’s more than just a shop; it’s an experience, a glimpse into the heart of Venetian culture. Bravo, Sergio, for keeping this beautiful tradition alive with such grace...

I have visited this fabulous shop three times: in 2011 when I bought six masks (three for me, and three as gifts). They were shipped and all arrived in perfect condition Then, I visited again in 2014, with my sister and I bought two more masks, one for me and one as another gift. Two weeks ago, I returned with my daughter, who had one of the masks from 2011. This time I bought a beautiful mask that Sergio says is the face of his daughter; and I bought another gift, which Sergio is creating in a special color for me. They have not yet arrived, but I know they, too will be perfect.

You can find a ton of machine made masks all over Venice, but you will not find many made and hand painted in the traditional way. These are...

An incredible and truly authentic Venetian experience. We were looking for something special to take back from our trip, and stumbled across this original Venetian mask maker. He only uses traditional materials and makes each mask by hand. Truly spectacular stuff. The owner has lots of pictures of him with various stars, which backs up his claim that a lot of his work is used in film and TV. Over and above that, he was an amazing guy and really wonderful to talk to. Yes, his work is expensive, but we believe we've purchased a one-off piece of artwork and can't wait to display it at home.

If you're looking for an original and authentic piece of Venice to take away with you, then you need to visit Bottega...