Ca' Macana is one of Venice’s oldest and best known workshops
We are known for two main reasons - partly because we have been lucky enough to collaborate with important theatres and film producers (the most famous being Stanley Kubrick for the film Eyes Wide Shut), but mainly because we have always remained faithful to tradition.
This means we make and paint all our masks strictly by hand as they were doing in Venice 800 years ago.
What’s more, we never repeat a decoration, so each mask is unique.
We began making masks in 1984 when the Venice Carnival was beginning to make a comeback after two centuries of decline.
We were architectural students at the time and, partly for fun, partly to earn a little money, we set about creating the first models and selling them in the streets in the evening when there were fewer policemen about.
In fact, they really were just attempts, as almost no-one at the time knew what techniques and materials to use.
Even though masks had been incredibly important in social relationships and lifestyles in Venice until the end of the 18th century, when we first approached this tradition, nothing, or almost nothing, remained.
The history of Venetian masks had disappeared from the city’s culture and consciousness.
Creating the first models was an adventure, bringing an ancient craft back to life and turning a game into genuine work, for us still today the most wonderful work in the world!
Then rediscovering the meaning and history of the old masks was absolutely fascinating.
So many surprises!
Venice really has always been a world apart!
At the start, our work was limited to creating new models and reproducing old ones, but it soon evolved and diversified, crossing over into sculpture, set and interior design and the dissemination of knowledge through courses and conferences covering everything connected with mask making techniques and the history of masks.
Our courses are very popular. As well as providing the most important theoretical and practical knowledge, they also leave ample room for creativity.
We have been collaborating for many years with tour operators from all over the world who, thanks to our initiatives, can offer their customers activities which are both fun and culturally satisfying.
Since 2011, we have also been organising mini courses specifically for families or individuals.
For them (but also for everyone who just wants to see what our work is like), our workshop is always open.
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