Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass
The exhibition as seen from the Space Needle
Map
EstablishedMay 20, 2012
Location305 Harrison Street
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Coordinates47°37′14″N 122°21′00″W / 47.62062°N 122.35007°W / 47.62062; -122.35007
TypeStudio glass
DirectorMichelle Bufano
Public transit accessSeattle Center Monorail
Websitewww.chihulygardenandglass.com

Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit in the Seattle Center directly next to the Space Needle, showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly.[1] It opened in May 2012 at the former site of the defunct Fun Forest amusement park.[2]

The project features three primary components: the Garden, the Glasshouse, and the Interior Exhibits, with significant secondary spaces including a bar featuring both all-ages seating and a separate area for guests age 21+, a 50-seat multi-use theater and lecture space, retail and lobby spaces, and extensive public site enhancements beyond the Garden.[3] The 100-foot-long installation inside of the Glasshouse is one of Chihuly's largest suspended sculptures.[4] Designed with the help of architect Owen Richards, the facility was awarded LEED silver certification from the USGBC.[5]

Starting in 2019, the Chihuly Garden and Glass has run a free art and glass festival named Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience. The festival brings together artists, collectors, and showcases of glass art from the Puget Sound area.[6][7]

The museum regularly partners with Seattle Public Schools (SPS) to invite elementary school students to visit the museum's galleries and take part in hands-on classes.[8] The partnership between Chihuly Garden and Glass and SPS dates back to 2013, with the museum providing over 17,300 free tickets to SPS students as of 2024.[8]

  1. ^ Rao, Mallika (2012-05-20). "Dale Chihuly's Seattle Center Garden And Glass Museum Sneak Peek (PHOTOS)". Huffington Post. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  2. ^ Clemans, Gayle (May 20, 2012). "Highlights — and low points — of Chihuly Garden and Glass". Seattle Times. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  3. ^ "Chihuly: Garden & Glass". Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  4. ^ "Glasshouse". Archived from the original on 4 May 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  5. ^ "Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibition". Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  6. ^ Scott, Chadd. "'Refract' Festival Returns For 2023 At Full Strength In Glass Art Capital Of America: Seattle". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  7. ^ "Visit Seattle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Present the 5th Annual Refract: The Nation's Premier Glass Art Festival". Visit Seattle. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  8. ^ a b Schools, Seattle Public. "Students Experience Chihuly Garden and Glass". Seattle Public Schools. Retrieved 2024-04-26.