Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
~$30 – $35
Seattle’s Most Colorful Attraction
Located in the shadow of the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is more than just an art gallery — it is a psychedelic forest of crystal and light. Whether you are an art aficionado or just looking for the ultimate Instagram spot in Seattle, this guide covers everything you need to know before you buy your tickets.
The Art of Blowing Glass
Glass blowing is an art form that only a few people can master – because here, too, the technical revolution has almost supplanted the talented artists. Luckily, there are museums like Chihuly Garden and Glass that preserve the art of glassblowing and pass it on to future generations.
The museum is located in the Seattle Center and opened in 2012. It exhibits the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. Expect to see a stunning display of Chihuly’s unique and colorful glass sculptures, which are known for their organic forms and dramatic use of light.
The gallery features various exhibitions, including “The Glasshouse”, a 40 foot tall glass and steel structure that houses one of Chihuly’s largest suspended sculptures. Another exhibition is “The Emerald Star and Sea Wall”, which showcases a series of blown glass forms in shades of green and blue.
The museum is not just about showing the work of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Furthermore, it also offers a variety of educational programs, including glassblowing demonstrations, artist talks, as well as special exhibitions.
Why It’s a Seattle Must-See
While Seattle is famous for its “rainy day” aesthetic, Chihuly Garden and Glass provides a permanent explosion of color. The museum showcases the life’s work of Northwest native Dale Chihuly, a pioneer who pushed glassblowing from a craft to a fine art.
The experience is divided into three distinct areas:
- The Interior Galleries: Eight darkened rooms where vibrant glass sculptures are spot-lit to perfection. Highlights include the Mille Fiori (a garden of a thousand glass flowers) and the Sealife Room.
- The Glasshouse: The centerpiece of the museum. This 40-foot-tall glass and steel conservatory houses a 100-foot-long sculpture in shades of red, orange, and yellow. On a clear day, you can look up through the glass flowers and see the Space Needle towering above.
- The Garden: Here, the art mimics nature. Glass “reeds” and “crystals” are woven into the lush Pacific Northwest greenery, creating a surreal landscape that changes with the seasons.
Money Saver Tip: The “Space Needle + Chihuly” Combo
If you plan on visiting the Space Needle (which is literally 50 steps away), you can save significantly by purchasing a Space Needle + Chihuly Garden and Glass Combo Ticket. This is the most popular way to see the Seattle Center landmarks.
Pro-Tips for the Best Experience
- Look for the Photography Team: The museum often has professional photographers in the Glasshouse who will take your photo for free; you can download the digital copies later at no extra cost.
- Check the Demo Schedule: Don’t miss the “Community Hot Shop,” a mobile glassblowing van in the garden where you can watch live demonstrations and learn how these fragile masterpieces are created.
- Visit at Twilight: If possible, arrive an hour before sunset. You get to see the sculptures in the natural daylight, and then stay as the lights kick in, which completely transforms the Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on what you want! The Space Needle offers the best view of the city, but Chihuly Garden and Glass offers the best visual experience. Most visitors find the glass museum more unique and “worth the money” for the photos alone.
A very small portion of the garden is visible from the public walking paths of the Seattle Center, but the iconic Glasshouse and the immersive galleries require a paid ticket.
Yes, the entire museum, including the garden paths and the Glasshouse, is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
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Tickets to Chihuly Garden and Glass
Buy your admission tickets now and embark on a captivating journey through the extraordinary creations of Dale Chihuly.
