Museum of Glass - Tacoma, Washington

Address:1801 Dock St.
Tacoma, Washington
Tel: (253) 284-4750

The beautiful Museum of Glass is one of the greatest attractions in Tacoma, focusing on the glass-art of the Pacific Northwest. The museum opened in 2002, having been design by architect Arthur Erickson, and overlooks the nearby University of Washington.

The museum's main building is constructed in a conical shape, and houses the museum's glass blowing exhibitions. This provides the visitor with a dynamic learning environment, where you can really begin to appreciate the medium of glass as an art form through creative experiences, collections, and the amazing exhibitions. Surrounding the main buildings are several beautiful exhibits great for strolling through, including reflecting pools, the Water Forest, and a romantic waterfront promenade.

One of the highlights of the Museum of Glass is the visiting artist program. Call ahead to find out which artist will be working at the hot shop before you go, and you'll have to opportunity to sit in and watch some of the greatest glass-art masterminds at work! The visiting artist program has included in the past: Dale Chihuly (a Tacoma native), Lino Tagliapietra, Ginny Ruffner, Marvin Lipofsky, Dante Marioni, and Maya Lin.

To get to the museum from downtown Tacoma, you simply go via the bridge of glass. This amazing structure, itself a work of art, houses thousands of glass-art masterpieces by Chihuly, making up the Venetian Wall, the Seaform Platform, and the Crystal Towers.

Admission, times, and days vary according to season, so make sure you plan ahead! Have a great time!

The Museum of Glass provides a dynamic environment for visitors to experience and appreciate the medium of glass and the creative interaction between artists and art forms in contemporary art. Through exhibitions from around the world, engaging glass blowing demonstrations and thought-provoking programs, the Museum welcomes, inspires and educates a diverse global audience.