The Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the biggest and most visited museums in Seattle. With over 40 museums in the city, that’s saying a lot! As a Seattle local, I definitely waited too long to visit but thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Here’s why you should visit while in Seattle!
Who is Dale Chihuly?
Vibrant bowls created using every color available to Chihuly in his workshop
Dale Chihuly is an American glass artist, and the world’s most prominent glass blowing artist. The entire museum is full of his works, along with a glass blowing demonstration and film room that shows Chihuly’s documentaries. He has had multiple other features and exhibits around the world as well. Chihuly’s amazing glass displays are a permanent feature in over 200 museums worldwide. He has had dozens of other temporary exhibitions in areas such as the Tower of David Museum, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, and the canals in Venice. Though many of his exhibitions are temporary, he often leaves one large piece behind that can still be seen in these locations.
Chihuly began experimenting with blowing glass in 1965 and was quickly sought out by different universities and professional artists. At 81 years old, he is still working hard on his pieces today.
About the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
A stunning display reflected in the stand
The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is located in the Seattle Center, directly next to Seattle’s Space Needle and near the Museum of Pop Culture, making it easy to find. It features eight indoor galleries, three drawing walls, a massive glasshouse exhibit, and an outdoor garden exhibit that seams flawlessly with more of Chihuly’s glass sculptures. At the end of the gardens, you can also find an outdoor theater that puts on live demonstrations of the glass blowing process.
I was blown away (pun intended) by the sheer number of glass sculptures in each exhibit and the way Chihuly utilizes color and movement in his pieces. I didn’t expect to be so enthralled by the pieces and was especially impressed how they were displayed – on highly reflective surfaces that copied the pieces they held perfectly in their reflection.
Pro tip: There is usually a professional photographer inside the museum who will take incredible photos of you for free and email them to you!
Chihuly Garden and Glass Hours & Tickets
Chihuly’s pieces working flawlessly in the outdoor garden
The museum is open from 10am to 5pm (Sun – Wed) or 6pm (Fri & Sat) with special, longer hours around major holidays. They are closed on major bank holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas and during private events. The museum’s last admittance is 45 minutes before closing, but you’ll want at least two hours to complete the museum. It took me nearly four!
There are two options for tickets: a regular entry ticket, or a combo ticket for the Chihuly museum and Space Needle if you plan on visiting both.
Regular Ticket:
Ages 13 – 64Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $32
King County Residents    $27
Ages 65+Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $27
Ages 5 – 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $19
Kids under 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â free
Space Needle Combo Ticket:
Ages 13 – 64Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $57
Ages 65+Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $47
Ages 5 – 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $35
Kids under 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â free
Book a Regular Ticket
Book a Combined Ticket
Chihuly Garden and Glass Discounts
The Space Needle is clearly visible through a decorative glass roof
There are a couple of ways to get a discount on your ticket to the museum. Other than the combined ticket above, you can also utilize Seattle’s CityPass. If you plan on visiting a large number of popular destinations around the city, the CityPass can save you about 50% on entry fees and tickets. It includes:
Included in CityPass Seattle
Space Needle
Seattle Aquarium
Choose 3:
Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)
Woodland Park Zoo
Chihuly Garden and Glass
I’ve visited every destination included on the CityPass and they are all fantastic! If you need help narrowing down your choices, I would suggest the Harbor Cruise, Woodland Park Zoo, and of course, the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. I would check the MoPop’s exhibits online as they are often very niche and you may not be interested in visiting. Although, if the weather is bad it is indoors.
Book a Seattle CityPass ($115)
Unfortunately, this museum does not participate in free museum days or the Seattle Public Library free attraction pass. They donate large amounts of money to local art programs, so visitors are supporting local artists as well as Chihuly and his work by visiting the museum.
Is the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum Worth It?
A local artist demonstrating their glass blowing technique
I’d say absolutely! The museum is expertly curated with a comprehensive collection and unlike any other art museum I’ve ever visited. It has definitely earned its 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and 4.8 rating on Get Your Guide. I was fully entranced by both the colorful collections as well as the glass blowing demonstration. Be sure to check online for the demonstration times so you don’t miss them!
Have you visited Chihuly Garden and Glass? Let me know what you thought!
Like this article? Pin it!
Leave a Reply