Venice - The first edition of "Murano Glass Masters 2014. L'isola del vetro" begins in the northern Lagoon of Venice Saturday, July 12th and Sunday 13th.
It is a new festival, which aims to promote the ancient tradition of Murano glass making, as well as to protect and advertise the brand of origin Vetro Artistico ® Murano, established by the Regione Veneto and managed by the Consorzio Promovetro. 

The event will involve various activities of the island, from glassmakers to retailers, from restaurants to artists. The Museo del Vetro di Murano will be the leading institution and will be exceptionally open on Saturday, July 12th, from 9pm to 11pm. 
Here there will be the exhibition "L'incanto del vetro" with a selection of products made in the kilns of the most important companies of the island. 

Murano Glass Masters will be a big party involving the whole island, offering concerts and shows, children's workshops and live demonstrations, and the shops will be open until late throughout Saturday evening. 
Saturday and Sunday there will be also guided tours of the Basilica SS. Maria and Donato and church of San Pietro Martire, which will be open for the occasion. 
Palazzo Da Mula will host an exhibition entitled "Carissima Gemma ...", displaying a series of portraits of historical postcards with views of the island between 1899 and 1950, until July 20th.