Exhibition Unveils a Century of Murano Glass Artistry at Conches-en-Ouche Museum

An exceptional exhibition featuring over 250 Venetian glassworks from Murano is currently on display at the Musée du Verre François Décorchemont in Conches-en-Ouche, France, from May 23 to November 29, 2026. Titled “Murano, 1920–2020: A Century of Glass,” the showcase highlights the evolution of Murano’s iconic craftsmanship, blending historical milestones with modern innovation.

The Legacy of Murano Glass

Since the 13th century, Murano, a small island near Venice, has been synonymous with exquisite glassmaking. The exhibition traces its origins to a pivotal moment in 1921, when the Capellin and Vennini glassworks revolutionized the craft by collaborating with external artists, including sculptors, painters, and architects. This shift marked a departure from traditional methods, allowing for more experimental designs while preserving ancestral techniques.

“The idea was to renew the art by inviting external creators to reinterpret Murano’s heritage,” explains Eric Louet, the museum’s director and attached conservator. “These artists built on centuries-old skills, producing larger, more colorful pieces with renewed forms.”

Artistic Collaboration and Innovation

The exhibition features 35 prominent glass artists, with a focus on three key eras: the interwar period’s artistic revival, the creative explosion of the 1950s–1980s, and contemporary experimentation since the 1980s. Over 250 works—ranging from Art Deco masterpieces to avant-garde installations—are displayed, many of which are unique or rarely seen outside Italy.

Among the highlights are intricate “murrine” and “millefiori” techniques, which involve embedding colored glass rods into objects to create vibrant, detailed patterns. These methods, unique to Murano, have made its glass coveted globally. However, the exhibition underscores a gap in France’s cultural landscape, as such pieces are seldom showcased domestically compared to countries like Italy and Germany.

Exhibition Highlights and Unique Pieces

Curated in collaboration with the Murano Glass Museum and the Holz Collection in Berlin, the exhibit emphasizes Murano’s global influence. Notable pieces include rare 1920s creations by Vennini, which exemplify the island’s transition into modernity, and contemporary works that push the boundaries of glass art.

Many of the displayed objects are housed in the museum’s chapel, a space chosen to evoke the historical and spiritual significance of Murano’s craft. The exhibition’s curation also highlights the role of Murano’s glassmakers in safeguarding Venice’s architectural integrity, as their furnaces were relocated to the island in the 13th century to prevent fires in the city’s wooden structures.

Why This Exhibition Matters

This event is a rare opportunity to explore Murano’s cultural legacy within France. As Louet notes, “The exhibition bridges the gap between Venetian tradition and international artistic dialogue, offering local audiences a chance to engage with a heritage that has shaped global design.”

For art enthusiasts and historians, the display provides a comprehensive overview of how Murano’s glassmaking evolved from a regional craft to a symbol of artistic excellence. With its blend of historical depth and modern creativity, the exhibition cements the Musée du Verre François Décorchemont as a key destination for understanding the enduring allure of Murano glass.