Museum Of Glass

We went to this place while visiting a friend in Tacoma. The outdoor installations are quite imposing, the Chihuly glass bridge is colorful and spectacular, the glass exhibits are striking and interesting. You can also watch a artists create various artwork from the molten glass. It is quite amazing to watch them blow glass and mold it into various shapes and sizes. more

I was blown away by the Museum of Glass. I expected wall-to-wall Chihuly's, and not being a huge Chihuly fan - had limited expectations. It was one of the best $10 days I've ever had. You can watch the visiting glass blowers in action for as long as you can stand the heat. But the real joy is in the galleries. Here, art is not necessarily relegated to glass-only exhibitions. The Joyce J. Scott exhibition is a must-see. She takes glass, beads, lithographs, and textiles and rams head-on into the various dimensions of racism, oppression, and discrimination that pervade our society. She tells the history of a people who have been (and continue to be) marginalized and silenced. The ugliness of brute power engages in a dialectical dance with pure beauty. And oh, yeah - there are some pretty cool installation pieces in the main gallery. more

This was my first time in Tacoma, and I was pleasantly suprised at the area and surroundings. The architecture around the museum is great - has a feel of the lowry gallery in manchester, uk. The hot shop was fun - a place where you can watch artists blowing glass. However, the rest of the museum wasn't worth the $10 price of admission. It was ok - but for out of town guests, I'd take them to the flight museum well before hitting this place again. more

This place may be the only reason I would ever go to Tacoma. It's one of the best places to take relatives from out of the area. The blue plastic "crystal form towers" http://www.ci.tacoma.wa.us/econdev/MajorProjects/Images/1801%20Dock%20-%20Chihuly%20Bridge%20doneP7291267.JPG above the I-705 overpass near Thea Foss Waterway is worth noting before you go, because you may easily miss the exit to the Museum otherwise. If you haven't ever seen someone blow glass you're obligated to go to the hot house while they demonstrate some basic techniques, because this necessary background will help you to appreciate some of the technical difficulties in what you will see elsewhere. Chihuly's "Bridge of Glass" http://www.chihuly.com/bridgeofglass/ will be an enduring landmark, and well worth the $6,200,000 http://www.ci.tacoma.wa.us/econdev/MajorProjects/IP%20ChihulyBridgeofGlass.htm of Tacoma's money. more

The Museum of Glass ( http://www.museumofglass.org ) is architecturally striking. It is beautiful, located by the Foss waterway, and linked to the Tacoma History Museum and Tacoma downtown attractions via a bridge. Not just any bridge mind you, but a bridge that allows you to walk and be surrounded by Dale Chihuly's fine works of art. Believe it or not, I took my toddler to "a" glass museum several times. This place is so visually stimulating. It's amazing how much work is needed to create such a beautiful work of art with striking colors and balance. First, outside: There are open spaces for the kids and adults to run around in. There are outdoor exhibits certain times of the year. Don't forget to take a camera. During our summer days, photos against the clear blue skies come out really bold. I've already mentioned the bridge. Note that you'll see more of Dale's work on this bridge that you will inside. Second, Inside: The museum itself isn't very big. So you can cover it 2 hours easily. They allowed me to take the stroller inside (unlike Seattle Art Musum). There are 3 main attractions: 1) FEEL: The hot house: Learn about glass making in action 2) SEE: Visiting artists work exhibited 3) CREATE: The craft room: create your own works of art using the techniques used by the visiting artist. In conclusion, this museum is well worth the visit. My toddler and I both learned something and had a craft as a souvenir. My husband came away with great photos. Go during the third Thursday of the month from 5-8pm for free admission. more

When I go here, I like going for the free viewing outside of the building. There's a beautiful walkway full of Chihuly's glass designs. The gift shop is fun to browse in. There are cute glass blown candies and dice here that go over well as gifts. Plus, they're affordable. The hot shop amphitheatre (with live demonstrations) is a must see here. The rest of the place isn't worthy of the admission price, I believe. Chihuly designs can be very pretty, but are not worthy of the cost - my opinion. Extreme opulence. more

I spent a Friday afternoon exploring the Museum District of Tacoma and am so glad that I discovered the STORE at the Museum of Glass. (I did not pay to enter the actual museum...but of course spent way too much money at the museum store!) If you are looking for unique gifts from glass ornaments to funky stationery to unique toys for children, I'd highly recommend going to the Museum of Glass's store. I did some price checking on books featuring Chihuly's work and their prices are no higher than at other bookstores or museum stores. I had a lot of fun browsing the store and ended up with birthday gifts for about 5 different friends and family members! more

The Museum of Glass is a terrific space in which to view art -- but you can't go expecting to see lots of glass. Exhibits rotate and there are times when there's nary a breakable vase in sight. BUT visitors can always see some of the most awesome glass art around by walking from the museum across the "Chihuly Bridge of Glass." The museum has a fantastic hot shop in which patrons can almost always sit and watch glass artists at work. The gift shop is worth a stop and the cafe offers quality lunches! more

In my mind, there are very few reasons to ever go to Tacoma, but the Museum of Glass is definitely worth the drive. The exhibits are inventive and unique. The Chihuly Glass Bridge is amazing and worth the trip alone. I also really enjoy the glass blowing studio where you can see art come to life. I would recommend this museum for kids 8 years old and up. more

I was skeptical when I was told I was being dragged along to the Museum of Glass. How interesting could glass be? Well, I was surprised. The galleries are filled with interesting and beautiful objects which I had to keep reminding myself were made from glass. What really captured my interest however was the "hot shop," a live workshop where you can watch fabulous glass creations being made. The building that houses the museum also deserves special mention: it is an architectural marvel, and well worth a visit on its own terms. The Museum of Glass is a unique and unforgettable destination. more

This museum is located in downtown Tacoma , Washington. It is located right on the water front with a wonderful view. You can join for a small fee or pay to enter. If you join you no longer pay to enter and get several free guest passes per year. There is a large studio where artists are working may enter and sit in the audience and watch the process. There is a gallery with exhibits that change. There is a wonderful and quite large gift shop with books, furniture, jewelry and etc. There is a small gourmet cafe as well. Some lectures are held there and other activities for kids you just have to inquire to find out what is going on that day. This is worth the visit. There are 2 other museums on the same street. as well as cute little boutique shops. more

Full disclosure: I still haven't been inside the Glass Museum. But I've been in the outside plaza many a time, and I would say its worth a visit just for this. Lots of cool outdoor exhibits and fountains, neat view of the Foss Waterway and Mt. Rainier (on a clear day, at least), and of course the Bridge of Glass--lots of cool Chihuly glass, etc., there. So even if you're a cheapskate, come check out the free stuff. And if you're interested, pay admission and check out the inside stuff--I hear the hot shop can be pretty cool. more

The amazing part of the Museum of Glass is their Hot Shop, where you can watch experts create glass objects and get a step-by-step commentary from an instructor. Whether or not you'll like this museum depends on how interested you are in glass blowing. They have a small exhibit area with changing exhibits. It was interesting to visit once, but I'm not sure I'd go again. I'd rather save my $10 and visit the Bridge of Glass or Union Station and see some free art. more