Being a Tourist in Seattle: Chihuly Garden and Glass
September 13, 2016
In the garden at Chihuly Garden and Glass
I’ve spent the past 10 days taking my sister and her husband to some of my favorite places in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Audrey’s vacation priorities were family and National Parks, but before heading off on a couple of road trips, she wanted to spend the first day after their arrival in Seattle recovering from jet lag. The highlight of our day out and about Seattle was our visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass, which showcases the work of glass artist, Dale Chihuly. It is located at the base of the Space Needle at the Seattle Center. When we arrived, workers were cleaning up from the annual Bumbershoot Festival. (Bumbershoot is another name for umbrella.)
Bumbershoot Alley at the Seattle Center
Two of my favorite spaces are the Persian Ceiling Room and the Glass House inside Chihuly Garden and Glass. My sister liked the gardens outside, where glass sculptures are artfully placed next to a diverse selection of colorful plants.
Sculpture in the Sealife Room
Persian Ceiling with reflections on the wall
Detail, Persian Ceiling
Mille Fiori Room
Chandelier
Macchia Forest Room
Glass House
Garden outside
The Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle
My sister and her husband were visiting from Wisconsin, and while playing tourist in Seattle, I finally went to see the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum that opened earlier this year. The exhibition surpassed my expectations. I’m sure it will become a top tourist site for Seattle, but like the Pike Place Market, it should also be a go-to destination for those of us who live here. I’ll be returning, especially if they host special exhibits from time to time.
Some of the Chihuly pieces on display at Chihuly Garden and Glass are familiar, like old friends. The Northwest Room was similar to the exhibit I saw at the Tacoma Art Museum in June 2011. The Persian Ceiling feels similar to the Bridge of Glass in Tacoma. But there were many, many new pieces too. I loved how room opened upon room, each stunning in a new way. Here’s a virtual tour:
Glass Forest
The Northwest Room
Glass baskets in the Northwest Room, inspired by Chihuly’s collection of Native woven baskets
Chihuly glass and his collection of Native trade blankets
Chihuly’s collection of Edward Curtis prints on the wall leading to the Sealife Room
Sealife Room
The Sealife Room opened into the room with the Persian Ceiling
Awestruck visitors take in the Persian Ceiling
Strategically placed benches allowed you to rest a while and immerse yourself in the art
The Persian Ceiling Room, with its reflections, was my favorite part of Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Doorway to the Milli Fiori Room
The glass sculptures were dramatically lit in the black room.
Detail, glass sculptures in Milli Fiori room
Detail, glass sculptures in the Milli Fiori room
Ikebana and Float Boat
Chihuly’s paintings are energetic and colorful.
Next, a room of glass chandeliers
Orange chandelier
Detail, chandeliers
Macchia Forest Room
Detail, glass sculpture in Macchia Forest Room
Glasshouse, Chihuly Garden and Glass
Tomorrow’s post will take you into the Garden. Stay tuned!
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