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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... 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.
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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... 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.
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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"... 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.
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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... 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.
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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... 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.
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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... 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.
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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... 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.
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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... 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.
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