🔥 Molten Glass Experiences in New Orleans
Hands-on glassblowing, studio tours, and make-your-own sessions—perfect for birthdays, date nights, family fun, and creative celebrations.
Glass is one of the world’s most fascinating materials—glowing hot, constantly moving, and utterly captivating. At our working glassblowing studio in New Orleans, you can get closer to the fire and experience the magic for yourself.
Whether you're visiting the city, celebrating a special occasion, or simply curious about glassblowing, we offer unforgettable experiences for all kinds of people and occasions.
Intro to Glassblowing Class
A 4-hour workshop for a small group of 6 students learning the basics of working with molten glass.
Step into the hot shop and experience the magic of molten glass. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll spend four hours learning the fundamentals of glassblowing in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Guided by our professional glassblowers, you’ll discover how to gather, shape, and blow molten glass using traditional techniques and tools. Each participant will create their own unique pieces to take home.
All materials and safety equipment are provided. You don't need any prior experience.
🎨Perfect for: beginners, hobbyists, art enthusiasts
🕒 Duration: 4 Hours
💵 Price: $150 per person
Hands-On Molten Glass Experience
A private, molten glass experience with master glass artist Ben Dombey.
This immersive session is fully customized to your group. You’ll learn how to gather molten glass from the furnace, shape it using traditional tools, and create your own one-of-a-kind pieces. You’ll work alongside Ben in our New Orleans studio and take home everything you help make.
💘 Perfect for: Couples, birthdays, families, and creative teams
🕒 Duration: 60-180 minutes
💵 Price: $250 per hour
Make-Your-Own Glass Sessions
Quick, creative projects where you help shape a custom piece, like a glass pumpkin or ornament.
These fun, beginner-friendly sessions give you a taste of glassblowing without committing to a full class. You’ll work one-on-one with a trained glass artist to safely blow and shape your piece, then take it home as a souvenir.
🎉 Perfect for: First-timers, families with kids (ages 7+), tourists, art lovers
🕒 Duration: 15 minutes per person
💵 Price: $50 per peson
Seasonal sessions include:
Pumpkin – October
Dubloons & Ornaments – November
Holiday Ornament – December
Studio Tours with Live Glassblowing
A behind-the-scenes look at the tools, fire, and artistry of a working glass studio.
Led by Glassblower Ben, your tour includes a live demonstration and time for questions. It's a great way to explore the process, especially if you’re traveling with kids, a larger group, or want to watch the magic unfold.
🧳 Perfect for: Tourists, school groups, art lovers, and locals looking for something unique
🕒 Duration: 60 minutes
💵 Price: $75 for up to 6 guests
✨ Book Your Molten Glass Experience Today
Come melt something beautiful. Whether you're marking a milestone or just curious to try something new, you’ll leave with a piece of glass—and a story—that’s entirely your own.
📅 Reserve online now
📞 Questions? Call us: 504-603-7080
📧 Custom quotes & group inquiries: shop@glassblowerben.com
“One of the absolute coolest things I’ve ever seen…”
“…we had the best time!!! The experience was catered to our skill level (none haha) and Ben was excellent…”
“…we highly recommend it.”
“Ben was fantastic! He was incredibly accommodating to our group of 10…”
“What a wonderful, unique experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get to take glass home with me?
Yes! Everything made during the experience is yours to keep. However, glass must cool slowly in a process called annealing, which takes 12–48 hours. After that, we refine your piece to remove sharp edges. About a week after your experience, the glass will be ready for pickup.
Can you ship me my glass?
Absolutely. If you cannot return to pick up the glass, we will gladly ship it to you. Shipping starts at $25 per address. All items are carefully wrapped and double-boxed to ensure nothing breaks on the way to you.
Can I bring people with me who want to watch the experience?
Yes, we do allow additional guests to watch. All guests in the Hot Shop must sign the waiver and wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes. Please let us know if you are bringing guests so we can prepare our space for your group.
Is it safe for beginners and children?
Absolutely. You will work with an experienced glass artist the entire time, who can help you as needed. These experiences are family-friendly. Come with an open mind and a desire to learn.
What can I make?
In our Hands-On Molten Glass Experiences, you have the opportunity to craft a variety of unique glass items. Depending on your interests and adventurous spirit, you can create:
Glass Flowers: Delicate and colorful, these everlasting blooms make for beautiful keepsakes or gifts.
Vases: Design and form your own vessel to display flowers or serve as a striking standalone piece.
Paperweights: Craft a solid, decorative object that combines functionality with artistic expression.
Sculptures: Let your imagination run wild and shape molten glass into abstract or representational forms.
Drinking Glasses: For those seeking a challenge, create your own cup to use and cherish.
Each experience is tailored to your preferences, ensuring you leave with a creation that reflects your personal style and newfound skills.
What should I wear?
Please wear closed-toe shoes and natural-fiber clothing, such as cotton, linen, or jeans. Avoid synthetic clothing, such as polyester. Long hair should be tied back. You will be given a pair of safety glasses to wear while in the hot shop.
Is it hot?
Yes, the hot shop can easily exceed temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Our glass furnace keeps the glass molten at close to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The glory hole, which is used to reheat the glass, is also operating at about this temperature, making for some extra toasty moments in the studio.
Do you host birthday parties, bachelorette parties, or special events?
Yes! We host birthdays, bridal parties, team-building events, and more. Celebrate around the fire with a creative, unforgettable experience—whether you’re making glass pumpkins with your crew or booking a full hands-on session for the guest of honor. We offer 🎂 birthday packages, 💍 bridal & bachelorette-ready options, and 🧑🤝🧑 custom group pricing. To plan your event, email us at shop@glassblowerben.com.