In 1291, the Venetian Republic ordered glassmakers to move their foundries to the island of Murano. This was because the glassworks represented a fire hazard to the city, whose buildings were mostly wooden structures. Murano’s glassmakers soon became the leading citizens on the island and now visitors can watch the glassworkers in action. The museum has displays of all kinds of glass in a variety of shapes and forms including chandeliers, vases, glasses and mirrors. Admission to this museum is free.