What if I told you that my top sightseeing priority in Seattle wasn’t actually a killer craft beer spot? Would that be heresy? (Egads, say it ain’t so!) True, Seattle is nailing all things beer and cocktails (read about it here). But there’s another place which I believe should be on every Seattle visitor’s itinerary: Chihuly Garden and Glass.
I fell in love with Dale Chihuly’s glass art back in 2008, when San Francisco’s de Young Museum held a special exhibition highlighting his work. I was captivated by the vibrant colors of the installations and the innovative techniques that Chihuly used to manipulate the glass. When I heard that Chihuly Garden and Glass opened in 2012 in Seattle Center, then, I knew I had to go.
It’s really true that words do not do this place justice. Instead, I’ve created a photo essay so you can get a taste of what I saw in September 2016. (But I swear, nothing’s like experiencing it firsthand. You’ll have to see it for yourself!)
Head Indoors to a Magical World of Glass…
Glass Forest
For me, this was the OG installation that made me a lifelong Chihuly fan. I’m so glad it found a long-term home in Seattle.
Persian Ceiling
I had to include a shot of this guy looking up at the “heavens” above. He just looked so dang happy. In fact, he sighed contentedly multiple times.
I’ll have what he’s having!
Persian Ceiling up close
Mille Fiori
With its swirling, colorful flowers, this made me think of what Alice would have encountered in Wonderland if she had met Chihuly instead of the creepy Cheshire cat.
Chandeliers
Unfortunately, none of these will fit inside my Brooklyn apartment, but c’est la vie!
Macchia Forest
I don’t know why, but the Macchia Forest reminds me of giant oysters. I peeked inside one to see if there was a pearl. (Shhhh, don’t tell.)
And Now We Head Outdoors…
Essential Info:
Chihuly Garden and Glass is open Sundays to Thursdays from 11 AM to 6 PM, and Fridays & Saturdays from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Tickets can be purchased on their website or at the admission counter.
Admission: $22 for ages 13-64; $36 package also includes entrance to the Space Needle.
Pro Tip ⇒ Chihuly Garden and Glass is part of the Seattle CityPASS!
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Nick
Yeah, but was there a pearl in the maccchia forest oysters??
Beautiful photos!
Julianne
Sadly, no, haha! Maybe next time. 😉 Thanks for reading!
April
I have had friends invite me to Seattle several times, but I’ve never really had any interest in going until now. Your pictures are exquisite! You’ve inspired me.
April
Love Lust or Bust; a guide to romance and travel for those with insatiable wanderlust!
Julianne
Thanks, April! It took me a long time to get to Seattle too, but when I finally did, it rocked my world. Hope you make it soon! (And see you at the NY Times Travel Show!)
Only By Land
I didn’t see this place when I went to Seattle and it’s right there under the Space Needle! Dale Chihuly’s glass art photographs really well. Of all the pieces you took photos of I am most impressed with the simple reflection pictures you took with the Space Needle, very inventive!
Julianne
Thanks! Seattle was the first time I got to play around with my new camera, and I had no idea how the pictures would turn out. Glad you like the reflection pictures!
Jean
It’s amazing what artistic people can do. I have no artistic talent bar me loving to see and experience art. Your photos have given me a great insight into this exhibition. Maybe one day I’ll make it to Seattle and see it for myself
Ling
With all the drink posts you post on your Instagram, yes, I’d call that hearsay!! But you would be totally forgiven because the Chuhuly Garden and Glass looks simply ridiculously amazing! It’s mind-boggling the amount of craftsmanship needed to create all these pieces and exhibits. I’m probably going to make my way up to Seattle sometime this year, so this is definitely on the must-do list during my visit!
Ivy
We live in Vancouver and have driven down to Seattle since 2012 but we never knew the Chihuly Garden and Glass was there! Good to know that the admission also includes entrance to the Space Needle. We’ve held off on going up because we thought it was too expensive… but now we can kill 2 birds with 1 stone! Beautiful photos 🙂
Diana - MVMT Blog
I can’t believe all of this is made of glass! Some of the pieces, such as the chandeliers, are so intricately designed, I can’t even imagine the process that went into creating these works. Hopefully the exhibits were all spaced out enough where visitors aren’t worried about bumping into something and shattering it. Probably not the best place to bring young kids to! Would love to see this in person one day.
Katie
Wow these glass structures are incredible!! The shapes and colours are so well done and imaginative! When we were in Germany we visited a glass making factory and I can’t believe how difficult it is to actually blow and make the glass! Would love to check this out!
Caroline @ The Travelling Sloth
Can’t believe those flower looking structures are made from glass! It’s absolutely amazing. I would be so scared to move… wouldn’t want to accidentally break anything with my occasional clumsy tendencies. I wonder how long it takes to complete one simple element, let alone an entire exhibition like that. Definitely, a quirky spot to check out.
Side note: I think I’ve seen those chandeliers before… on Cake Boss. If I’m not wrong, he made a cake for the artist!
Janine
How gorgeous. I have seen many references to this garden in Seattle that you would think I would get there to see it for myself. The intricacy is just incredible and the glass colours unreal. They featured this garden on Wheel of Fortune when they were taping in Seattle and gave highlights at the end of each episode. Brilliant. I commend the artists for bringing such gorgeous work for display.
Bhushavali
Ahaaa!! That Chandelier!!!! A huge Dale Chihuly Chandelier hangs centrally in the entrance of Victoria & Albert Museum in London. I was so awed when I saw it and the guide explained me about how complicated its maintenance itself is! I mean it hangs from the ceiling atop the reception and is 27ft tall!!! An entire museum filled with his work. I would be so so so happy to visit it! Esp the Persian Ceiling is definitely mesmerizing!!!
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