Mondonovo is a small workshop near the Accademia. Mask shops are ubiquitous in Venice due to the wide-spread use of masks during Carnevale. But this workshop is unique. The masks are true works of art and in fact their creator, Guerrino Lovato, teaches sculpture at the Accademia (Venice’s renowned art school).

His work doesn’t end with mask making and teaching, though. His fantastic and whimsical theater stage and film sets are greatly sought after, and his work has brought him to the Kremlin in Russia, to Las Vegas, and back to Venice for the reconstruction of La Fenice, possibly the most beautiful opera house in the world.

If you stop by the shop, you will find him working there almost any morning. He is happy to chat, but only in Italian! Otherwise, just daydream. The small space is overflowing with masks of all kinds, and you are free to lose yourself in this fantasy world for as long as you like . . .

More info available at www.mondonovomaschere.it