If you’re looking for a unique, hands-on adventure in Aruba, Studio Murano Art is an absolute must! I had the BEST time during my private glassblowing workshop, and I can’t recommend this place enough.
Located in Santa Cruz, less than a 20-minute drive from the Eagle Beach area, it’s super easy to get to by car or taxi. MAP
This awesome, family-owned studio is run by some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Giuliano, the master artisan, along with Patricia, German and their super friendly staff, made the experience not only educational but SO much fun! The vibe here is fantastic, and the creativity is contagious.
What Can You Do at Studio Murano Art?
You’ve got a few exciting options to choose from:
• Glass Blowing Demonstration & Exhibition:
Stop by for a free glassblowing demo, offered daily from 10am-1pm. It’s a mesmerizing experience watching glass come to life! There is lots of covered seating and you can even grab a cold beverage to have while you're watching!
• Glassblowing Workshops:
Want to get hands-on? Book a workshop! Just make a reservation in advance. There’s a $50 fee, which will be deducted from the final cost of your workshop.
• Private Workshop (Highly Recommended!):
This is where the real magic happens! It’s a fully immersive, hands-on experience where you get to create your very own glass masterpiece. You’ll choose from a selection of designs—think fish, sea turtles, starfish, whales, bowls, and more. Then, you get to customize it with your favorite colors. I went all out with mine, picking pink/purple and blue (because who says a sea turtle has to be lifelike?!). $100+ depending on what you choose to make! My turtle was $150!
Here’s how it went:
We fired the pink glass for the turtle’s body three times before rolling it in the shimmery purple color. After each step, the piece goes back into the fire to take shape. I even got to stamp out the turtle’s shell and help shape the fins! Watching Giuliano expertly guide each step while I helped was such a cool experience. Adding the head and eyes was more technical, so I left that to the master, but the whole process was thrilling!
Planning Your Visit
Once your piece is finished, it needs about 24 hours to cool. You can pick it up the next day, or they’ll even deliver it after 5pm. They wrap everything securely in bubble wrap, so your new creation is ready to travel home safely with you. Keep this timing in mind when planning your visit—you’ll definitely want to take your masterpiece with you!
There’s also a shop on site, so if you don’t have time for a workshop or the free demo but still want to bring home something special, you can browse their stunning collection! They have a wide variety of gorgeous pieces—everything from fish and turtles to Divi Divi trees, vases, bowls, and glasses. So many beautiful options to choose from!
Plus, there’s a fantastic restaurant right on site! When I went back to pick up my stunning sea turtle, we decided to grab lunch, and it did not disappoint. The menu offers something for everyone—salads, wraps, fish, meat skewers, and even pizza. If you’re in the mood for a drink, they’ve got a great selection of cocktails and ice-cold beer to keep you refreshed.
We started with the ceviche, and honestly, it was one of the best I’ve had on the island! The warm tortilla chips were made in-house, and the ceviche was loaded with large chunks of white fish, green peppers, and slivers of red onion. The flavors were spot on!
For our entrees, my boyfriend went with the goat stew, which was served with white rice, coleslaw, and plantains. It was incredible! The flavor was out of this world, and the goat meat was slow-cooked for three hours until it practically melted off the bone. As for me, I went straight for the pizza (of course!). If you know me, you know I love pizza, and this one hit the spot—crispy crust, perfect undercarriage, and delicious flavors. I even had leftovers to take home and reheat on the grill!
Definitely stop here for a delightful meal with covered seating, a great breeze, ice-cold beers, and fantastic cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a fun day of glassblowing!
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or a unique souvenir, Studio Murano Art is an unforgettable experience you don’t want to miss while in Aruba. Trust me, you’ll leave with more than just a cool piece of art—you’ll have amazing memories too!
I absolutely love how my little sea turtle turned out! Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of this amazing experience. It’s such a special keepsake that brings back the fun memories of my day at Studio Murano Art!
Thank you for the info. May I ask how much the final turtle cost?