The Amazing World Inside Chihuly Glass Museum in Seattle
There’s an amazing world waiting for you inside the Chihuly Glass Museum (properly known as Chihuly Garden and Glass). This is a very unique museum that you’ve never ever seen anywhere in your travels. Who knew that glass can be such a wonderful medium to express human emotions and visions?
WHO IS CHIHULY? Honestly, I’ve never heard the name, Dale Chihuly, before – until I read a travel guide while I was on the train to Seattle from Vancouver. Dale Chihuly is a sculptor who makes life-size figures of everything made out of glass. Apparently, he’s the best in his field that his works are worth thousands of dollars, if not millions. Make sure to find the video room and watch the short clips about Dale and his art before you exit the museum.
TICKETS: First of all, your student card is useless in this museum. They won’t honor it. So, to save money in Seattle, I’d advise you to buy Seattle CityPass that includes Chihuly Garden and Glass. Click here for the price.
Inside Chihuly Glass Museum in Seattle
Inside this museum, you’ll be transported to a different world you’ve never been to. Let me be your guide.
The Glass Forest
As soon as you pass the ticket inspector/scanner, you’ll be enamored by this little glass forest. However, this display would have been better if they have integrated sounds that you could hear from the jungle. 😉
The Northwest Room
In this room, you’ll find Chihuly’s interpretation of the Navajo Textile designs through the series, “Cylinders.” Focus your attention from the wall to the glass objects in the middle of the room.
Sea Life Room
The 15-foot Sealife Tower (above) looks surreal – like you’re under the sea. The detailed craftsmanship is very impressive and the giant structure is a sight to behold.
Don’t forget to look around this room and ogle at those sea creatures on top of the vessels. Man, they’re made to perfection!
Persian Ceiling
In here, you’ll experience the bold, vivid colors of glass sculptures that are resting on a flat glass pane, supported by beams, and are lit from above.
Mille Fiori Room
This is my favourite room in the museum. And it is also the biggest. Mille Fiori
I spent an entire 30 minutes here, looking at almost every object that caught my eyes. They are all mesmerizing!
Ikebana and Float Boats
Ikebana boat shows a long, flower-like glass stems influenced by the Japanese art of ikebana.
Niijima Floats were influenced by Dale Chihuly’s trip to Niijima, an island in the mid-eastern side of Japan.
Chandeliers Room
Hanging from the dark ceiling, these huge chandeliers are not just spellbinding but also ethereal.
Macchia Forest
Macchia is an Italian word which means, “a partly-wooded area”. In this room, you’ll find giant petals of flowers with vibrant, contrasting colors.
The Glasshouse
Suspended in the air, these red, yellow and orange flower-shaped sculpture is 100-foot long that goes in contrast whatever the weather is outside. It’s an extraordinary piece that you can’t help to admire as soon as you see it. Take note that if there are private events being held here, the Glasshouse is off limits to visitors.
The Garden
The garden outside is filled with glass sculptures that blend with the real plants and flowers.
The Chandelier Walkway
Before you exit, you can find the Chandelier Walkway on your right. They are of different colors and designs – and each has its own name. So, don’t forget to read the descriptions written on the wall. 😉
Related Post: Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
Where to Stay in Seattle
I stayed at Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle. It’s right across Pike Market where every visitor in the city should go for food, art, handcrafts, jewelry, bargains, flowers, and many more. This hostel is a few blocks to the shopping district and a few steps to the Seattle Art Museum. From here, the Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Needle Tower and Chihuly Garden and Glass is just 20-25 minutes walk away.
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