Museum of Glass - Tacoma

Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington State

The Museum of Glass is one of Tacoma’s most popular attractions, located in the “Museum Row” district near the waterfront at 1801 Dock Street.    

There are a cluster of 3 museums in this area, all within walking distance of each other.  These include the Museum of Glass, WA History Museum, and Tacoma Art Museum.

Glass blowing demonstrations at the Museum of Glass

The silver space age cone at the Museum of Glass, is one of Tacoma's most famous landmarks.  Beneath this silver cone, visitors can sit in a spacious theater and watch talented glass blowers hard at work in the “Hot Shop”.  This is a living, breathing museum where the creative process is constantly evolving.

The Museum of Glass hosts regular exhibitions from visiting artists, and many glass blowers are encouraged to complete a period of residency at the Museum.  The Pacific Northwest has the highest concentration of glass studios in the US, and the Museum is a gathering place for this tight-knit community.

Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Once visitors have completed their internal tour of the museum, there are some interesting attractions outside.

For example, the "Chihuly Bridge of Glass" has transformed an ordinary pedestrian bridge, into a dazzling display of Glass Art.  Glass walls tower over each side of the pedestrian walkway, housing dozens of individual pieces of Glass Art in a "Venetian Wall".  These creations are the work of famous glass artist Dale Chihuly.

The external landscape of the Museum of Glass provides interesting perspectives from every vantage point.  The striking angle of a roof or a sweeping staircase has been deliberately designed to engage and challenge your senses.  If you venture closer to the waterfront, there is an elaborate water garden fashioned from translucent glass.

Kids' Activities at the Museum of Glass

One of the highlights for kids at the Museum of Glass is the “Education Studio”.  Kids are provided with crayons and asked to draw something that can be brought to life as a piece of Glass Art.  One piece is selected each month and proudly displayed at the Museum.  The fantastic, colorful drawings of monsters and creatures from childrens' imaginations are the perfect subject for Glass Art, and no design is too complicated in the hands of a skilled Glass Blower.

Tacoma Restaurants

Once you have completed your tour, consider stopping at the nearby Woodys on the Water restaurant adjacent to the Museum of Glass.  There are also a number of restaurants much further down Pacific Avenue; including:

• Indochine  [1924 Pacific Avenue]
• Harmon Brewery   [1938 Pacific Avenue]
• El Gaucho Tacoma   [2119 Pacific Avenue]
• Melting Pot Tacoma  [2121 Pacific Avenue]

Other things to do in Tacoma

Learn more about other activities and hotels in Tacoma, including the celebrated Theater District, Antique Row and historic area.

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