View impressive hand-sculpted glass artwork at Tacoma’s Museum of Glass. The museum’s permanent collection features contemporary pieces, including striking outdoor artwork, by artists from around the world. This compelling museum also hosts hands-on workshops, glassblowing lectures and educational programs for children.
Martin Blank’s magnificent outdoor glass piece Fluent Steps spans the museum’s 210-foot long (64-meter) main plaza. Notice the four small islands of glass, entitled Cascades, Echo, Crystal Skin and Wisps. Fluent Steps is made from over 700 individual hand-sculpted pieces of glass and represents Blank’s interpretation of the many forms of water.
See contemporary glass artworks created by both emerging and established artists. Look for Cappy Thompson’s Gathering the Light exhibit in the museum’s permanent collection. This intricate 15-foot wide (5-meter) piece depicts the story of glassblowing on a grand scale.
Watch talented artists create pieces from molten glass at the museum’s Hot Shop. The Hot Shop is set inside a 90-foot tall (27-meter) stainless steel cone, a distinctive part of the museum’s architecture.
Stop at the museum store to shop for hand-made glass and ceramic pieces by local and international artists, in addition to fine jewelry, books, children’s toys and souvenirs. The Museum of Glass also features a small café serving coffee, pastries and Argentinean-style lunches.
Check out the museum’s traveling exhibitions, which aim to highlight the innovative glassworks being created across the globe. Visit on the monthly Family Day to participate in special activities like craft-making.
The Museum of Glass is located about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the center of Tacoma. Get here on foot by walking across the remarkable Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot (152-meter) long tunnel featuring three colorful installations that links the museum to downtown Tacoma. Park at the nearby Tacoma Dome Link Station, or in the parking garage found under the museum. There is an entry fee but children aged 5 and younger enter for free.
Take the kids to enjoy educational programs, live glassblowing demonstrations and an exquisite collection of glass artworks at the Museum of Glass.
