The clothes and props are high-end. They are made by the famous tailor Stefano Nicolao, of the prestigious Atelier Stefano Nicolao.

Every 20 minutes the tour can be booked by a group of 4 participants. If you want to book the photoshoot for more than 4 persons you block for more 20 minutes. The photo can be made by a maximum of 8 persons.

Yes, there will be other guests. But there is enough space for everybody. We provide a serene and quiet atmosphere, a private setting, chic and modern.

To keep the clothing and props clean, no catering is available during the session. And it is not allowed to bring food and drinks with you.

Each group of participants will get 1 professional photo in print immediately after the session, format A6.

Children of all ages are welcome in the studio. When you fit in a costume you have to pay. We start from an xs.

Take into consideration that at Venice Dress-Up Experience we do not rent out costumes. Our wonderfull collection of 17th and 18th century costumes (sizes XS till XL) are all made by the most famous Atelier Nicolao and we want to make sure that they stay in the best condition as possible. Therefore you can only wear them at our accommodation and during the photoshoot. 

At Venice Dress-Up Experience, prices start from €75 for our signature dress-up experience, which includes choosing your favorite historical Venetian costume, elegant accessories, and a photoshoot inside our beautifully decorated studio. You’ll be guided by our professional team to ensure you look and feel like a true Venetian noble. 

For guests who wish to capture the magic of Venice even better, our dress-up + professional photoshoot package starts from €150, allowing you to not only have the signature dress-up experience and photoshoot, but also to take home 20 high resolution digital photos made by a professional photographer.

To make your experience even more unforgettable, we also offer a dress-up + gondola photoshoot from €270, combining the elegance of Venetian costumes with the romance of a private gondola ride through the city’s canals.

All experiences include personalized fitting, expert assistance, and the use of high-quality costumes designed by Venetian artisans. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, exploring Venice with your loved ones, or simply fulfilling a dream, Venice Dress-Up Experience makes every guest part of the city’s timeless story.

Yes, you can enjoy wearing an authentic Venetian Carnival costume at Venice Dress-Up Experience! Our exclusive collection features handcrafted garments inspired by the golden age of Venice – elegant gowns, noblemen’s attire, and exquisite masks, all created by skilled local artisans.

However, please note that our costumes are meant to be worn only within our studio and during our professional photoshoots. This ensures that every costume remains in perfect condition and that every guest enjoys the same high-quality, authentic experience.

You can choose from several themed experiences, including indoor and outdoor photoshoots or a gondola session, all designed to make you feel part of Venice’s legendary Carnival atmosphere. 

Our team will assist you with dressing, styling, and posing so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Venetian tradition – no party needed!

During Carnival in Venice, people dress in spectacular, historically inspired costumes that bring the city’s golden past back to life. You’ll see elegant 18th-century gowns, richly decorated coats, lace cuffs, tricorn hats, and, of course, the iconic Venetian masks that hide the wearer’s identity and add a touch of mystery and romance to the celebration.

Traditional costumes are often inspired by the Venetian nobility of the 1700s – think luxurious fabrics, embroidery, pearls, feathers, and gold details. Each outfit tells a story of elegance, art, and theatricality, transforming the city into a living stage. 

At Venice Dress-Up Experience, you can step directly into this magical world without waiting for Carnival season. Our authentic costumes, handmade by Venetian artisans, allow you to experience the same feeling of grandeur and mystery – whether for a photoshoot, a gondola ride, or simply to capture the spirit of Venice.

It’s not just dressing up – it’s becoming part of Venice’s timeless story.

Are you curious to see some examples? Visit our photo gallery to get inspired!

Popular Venice Carnival costume themes draw inspiration from the city’s rich history of art, theatre, and elegance. Many guests choose to embody 18th-century Venetian nobles, with luxurious gowns, embroidered waistcoats, lace, and ornate masks that reflect the grandeur of the Republic’s golden era.

Other beloved themes include Commedia dell’Arte characters such as Arlecchino, Colombina, and Il Dottore – playful, theatrical figures that bring color and humor to the celebration. Some prefer mystical or romantic styles, featuring feathers, jewels, and deep tones of gold, red, and black that express the mystery of Venice by night.

At Venice Dress-Up Experience, you can explore all these styles and more. Each costume is handcrafted by Venetian artisans, allowing you to experience the spirit of Carnival in the most authentic way possible. Whether you wish to look noble, mysterious, or whimsical, our team will help you find the perfect outfit.

For inspiration, explore our photo gallery and see how others have transformed into timeless Venetian characters.

A gondola ride in Venice is one of the city’s most romantic and memorable experiences, and how you dress can make it even more special. Many visitors choose classic, elegant clothing – light fabrics in spring and summer, and chic layers in autumn and winter. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be stepping in and out of the gondola along narrow canals. 

For those who want a truly magical memory, Venice Dress-Up Experience offers the chance to wear authentic Venetian costumes during a gondola photoshoot. Imagine gliding through the canals in a richly detailed 18th-century gown or nobleman’s coat, complete with mask and accessories – it’s a breathtaking way to capture the essence of Venice.

Our gondola experiences combine elegance, history, and artistry, with professional photography to immortalize every moment.

To see what this unforgettable experience looks like, visit our photo gallery and get inspired for your own Venetian adventure on the water.

The history of Venetian Carnival costumes goes back to the 13th century, when Venice was a vibrant republic known for its art, trade, and freedom of expression. During Carnival, Venetians wore masks and elaborate garments to conceal their identities, allowing people of all backgrounds to celebrate as equals – free from social and political boundaries. 

By the 18th century, Carnival had become the most glamorous event of the year. Nobles and artists dressed in richly embroidered silks, lace, and jewels, inspired by the fashions of the Venetian court. The masks – elegant, mysterious, and often symbolic – became an art form in themselves, expressing wit, seduction, and secrecy. 

Today, these traditions continue to fascinate visitors from around the world. At Venice Dress-Up Experience, guests can relive this unique part of Venetian history all year round by wearing authentic, handcrafted costumes that capture the elegance and allure of the city’s golden age. It’s more than a costume – it’s a living link to centuries of beauty, culture, and imagination.

The tradition of the masquerade in Italy is deeply rooted in the country’s artistic and cultural heritage – and nowhere is it more iconic than in Venice. The use of masks began in the Middle Ages, when Venetians wore them during festivals, political gatherings, and celebrations to express freedom and equality. Behind a mask, everyone could be whoever they wished – noble or commoner, hero or villain. 

By the Renaissance and Baroque periods, masquerade balls had become symbols of refinement and mystery throughout Italian high society. These grand events mixed theatre, music, and dance, celebrating beauty and anonymity. Masks like the Bauta, Colombina, and Volto became essential accessories, each representing different roles and moods – from elegance to mischief.

In Venice, the masquerade became inseparable from Carnival itself, turning the city into a stage where life and art blended seamlessly.

At Venice Dress-Up Experience, this centuries-old tradition lives on. Guests can embrace the spirit of the Italian masquerade by wearing handcrafted masks and costumes that capture the artistry, mystery, and romance that made Venice world-famous.

The Venice Carnival is one of the world’s most famous celebrations – and the best part is that most of it is completely free. You don’t need a ticket to wander through the streets, admire the costumes, or enjoy the lively atmosphere that fills every corner of the city.

Some exclusive events, such as masquerade balls, private parties, or gala dinners, do require tickets or advance bookings. These are elegant, invitation-only occasions that capture the splendor and mystery of historic Venice.

If you’d like to experience the magic of Venetian costumes without attending a ticketed event, Venice Dress-Up Experience offers a wonderful alternative. Here, you can wear authentic, handcrafted costumes and enjoy your own private photoshoot, gondola ride, or themed experience – available all year round.

Please note that all sessions at Venice Dress-Up Experience must be booked in advance, as each experience is personalized and prepared especially for you.

No ticket is needed – just a reservation and a desire to step into Venice’s timeless elegance.