The Lace Museum in Burano(Museo del merletto)

The word "merletto"(lace), which appeared in Venetian documents as early as the 15th century, comes from the word 'merli' which means the architectural elements that decorated medieval buildings, and later, the palaces of Venice in Flamboyant Gothic style.

The museum opened its doors in 1981, in the former building of the School of Lace founded in 1872 by the Countess Adriano Marcello. You can admire all the beautiful lace produced on this island for centuries. On exhibit: some very valuable pieces, drawings, photographs, personal journals and work techniques.

The exhibit is quite complete, and the former school for lace makers, which is famous throughout the world, hasn't been left out. In the 17th century, Venetian lace was a real sign of prestige.

Technique :

Needlepoint lace, which was born in Venice in the second half of the 15th century, actually derives from embroidery. It is inspired from those stitches that create transparency in the design (punto tagliato). Needlepoint lace is done using a cylindrical cushion.

In the early 20th century, the school had become so popular it was a veritable little corporation. But in the 30s, lace began to lose its popularity and the school closed 30 years later.

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