I lived in Seattle for four years and visited the Chihuly exhibit there at least 7-8 times. It was one of my favorite places to take out-of-towners as I showed them around the Emerald City. Last month, on a swing through Washington State, I finally got around to seeing Chihuly’s Bridge of Glass at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.
The 500-foot pedestrian bridge across the highway (and some railroad tracks) is simply amazing, both in scale and in detail. The photo above gives a sense of scale, and is way better for purposes of “here’s how it all comes together” than anything I took on the day.
On the left in that photo, you can see the Venetian Wall. It was my favorite part, simply because I could have looked at these glass creations all day.
And here’s more! In researching the wall, I found a website that explains how they keep the pieces and the glass so clean. (Nerd alert: click to read that explanation).
The far end of the bridge features the Seaform Pavilion, a glass ceiling stuffed full of color and shapes. When the sun is shining, the whole pavilion lights up and it’s magical.
And in between the Venetian Wall and the glass ceilings are two rock candy sculptures. I’m pretty sure that’s not their official name but I can’t help but think of rock candy when I see them (there is a pink one in Seattle). The bright sunlight really brought out the colors and shapes in this tall sculpture. (OK, I looked it up, the official name is apparently “crystal towers” but I like “rock candy sculptures” way better.)
If you pass Tacoma, do take the time stop and see this Bridge. It’s free to walk across it and enjoy the art and the views of Tacoma as well. Union Station next door has some amazing architecture, inside and out. And if you’re lucky, you might even see Mount Rainier!
I want people to be overwhelmed with light and color in a way they have never experienced.
Dale Chihuly
I’ve seen the glassblowing before, and just missed the demo this time. I actually took a day-long class in blowing glass, and made a flower and paperweight, it’s way harder than it looks! I’m a bit envious of your 90F temps, I’m still in Oregon and it’s a crazy 51F at high noon. Hope all is well with you, Mary, and maybe we’ll meet in the Southwest this winter.
Oh, I love the Corning Museum, saw it in 20178 and was amazed by everything there (and the gift store was oh, so tempting!). Glad you all enjoyed it too, and thanks for leaving a comment, Anne.
The color in these photos is amazing! Great lighting. Anyone traveling in the East interested in blown glass as an art form (and some of the science too) can check out the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning NY. My entire family enjoyed a day trip there a few years back. http://www.cmog.org/
Hi Annie. We really enjoyed being introduced to Chihuly’s amazing glass via your beautiful photos and narrative. Seems that Dale Chihuly as accomplished his goal via his artistic creations of color. No doubt overwhelming in person. Must agree, ‘rock candy’ gets our vote.
– betty lou
Hi Annie:
Did you visit the Glass Blowing Studio/workshop in Tacoma. That was truly amazing seeing how it is made. Loved the bridge when I saw it a year or so ago.
I hope you are ding well. I am in Desert Hot Springs right now at Catalina Resort for the next couple of weeks – 90 degrees!
hugs,
Mary