Museum of Glass by Sarah Lloyd

Born out of a casual conversation between friends, the Tacoma Museum of Glass has come to represent the revitalization of downtown Tacoma, as well as the vitality of the medium of glass art.

The legendary conversation transpired in 1992 between friends Dale Chihuly, one of the founders of the Pilchuck Glass School and frontrunner in the Glass Movement of the early 1970s, and Phil Phibbs, a retired resident of the University of Puget Sound. Chihuly and Phibbs felt a glass museum was a natural step in recognizing the prominent role the Northwest played in the Glass Movement. Presenting the idea to the Executive Council of Greater Tacoma, Phibbs and Chihuly were surprised to receive overwhelming support for their plan. The Executive Council saw the museum as the finishing touch to the already planned clean-up and redevelopment of the Tacoma waterfront and the then polluted Thea Foss waterway.

The realization of the Museum began in 1997 when Canadian Architect Aurthur Erickson unveiled the design for the museum, which included a 90 ft. tilted cone. Construction of the museum and its iconic cone began in 2000, and finished in July of 2002.

In addition to the museum, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass was also unveiled in 2002. This unique pedestrian overpass provides visitors access from downtown Tacoma to the Museum and the Thea Foss Waterway. A journey through a revelry of color, glass and beauty, the bridge was designed by Austin, Texas architect Aruthur Anderson in collaboration with Dale Chihuly. At 500 feet, the bridge is a cultural byway representing the union of art and urban development, and is one of the prided icons of downtown Tacoma.

In its initial stages of museum development Phibbs and Chihuly planned to make Chihuly and his works the main focus of the museum. After careful consideration it was expanded to highlight the works of glass artists’ world wide. Separated into a variety of indoor/ outdoor galleries and interactive spaces, the Museum of Glass offers a unique, well rounded glimpse into the developing art world of glass. Three main galleries host a variety of rotating exhibits by international and national artists alike, and a theatre set adjacent to the galleries plays a myriad of short films that highlight the history of glass blowing in addition to showcasing some of the more esteemed contributors to the medium of glass. Occasionally the theatre is also utilized for artist talks, lecture series’ and theatrical performances.

One of the most novel aspects of the Glass Museum is its Hot Shop. Located in the cone of the museum, the Hot Shop offers a first hand glimpse into the artistic world of glass. The Hot Shop allows visitors to watch artist and residents as they work on their craft. Equipped with stadium seating, museum guests can follow along on the journey glass goes through to become a work of art. The wonderful juxtaposition between the still, quite and complete works of glass found in the Museum’s galleries and the hot, malleable, evolving works being produced in the Hot Shop is one of the distinguishing factors that make the Museum of Glass so exceptional.

After taking in the beauty of the galleries and experiencing the Hot Shop, guests can peruse the Museums gift shop or grab a bite to eat in Gallucci's Glass Café. If you’re lucky and it happens to be one of those rare clear days, take a stroll along the waterway. Take some time to contemplate the dynamic qualities of glass while taking in the spectacular view of Mount Rainer.

Hours & Admission

• Open Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm, Third Thursdays 10am to 8pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.
• Store is also open Tuesdays 10am – 5pm. Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): also open Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 5pm. Closed September 30th, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Admission is free for members, $10 general, $8 seniors, military and students (13+ with ID), $8 groups of 10 or more, $4 children (6-12) years old. Children under 6 are admitted free. Admission is free every third Thursday of the month from 5pm to 8pm.

Additional information is available on the Museum Of Glass Website