The Museum of Glass

Tacoma, Washington

The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, is a renowned cultural institution dedicated to contemporary glass art, glassmaking techniques, and artistic innovation. Here is some tourist information about The Museum of Glass:

1. Location and Hours:
   • Address: 1801 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States
   • The museum is located on the Thea Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma, offering scenic views of the water and nearby attractions.
   • Operating hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday, and from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
2. Admission:
   • General admission to The Museum of Glass grants access to the museum’s exhibitions, hot shop demonstrations, and all galleries.
   • Ticket prices vary based on age, student status, and membership, with discounts often available for seniors, students, military personnel, and museum members.
   • Visitors can check the museum’s official website or contact them for current admission rates, discounts, and any special promotions.
3. Exhibitions and Collections:
   • The museum’s collection focuses on contemporary glass art, featuring works by local, national, and international artists using a variety of glassmaking techniques.
   • Visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing glass sculptures, installations, blown glass pieces, studio glass, and multimedia artworks that highlight the versatility and creativity of glass as an artistic medium.
   • Notable highlights include works by artists such as Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, Preston Singletary, and other acclaimed glass artists.
4. Hot Shop Demonstrations:
   • One of the main attractions at The Museum of Glass is the Hot Shop, where visitors can watch live glassmaking demonstrations by skilled artists and glassblowers.
   • These demonstrations offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the glassmaking process, from gathering molten glass to shaping, blowing, and finishing glass artworks.
5. Facilities:
   • The museum provides amenities such as a museum store offering glass art, gifts, books, jewelry, and unique merchandise related to glassmaking and contemporary art.
   • Dining options include a café serving snacks, beverages, and light meals, as well as outdoor seating areas with views of the waterway and nearby attractions.
   • The Museum of Glass is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms available to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
6. Visitor Tips:
   • Consider planning your visit around scheduled hot shop demonstrations to witness the glassmaking process in action and engage with artists and educators.
   • Check the museum’s website or inquire about guided tours, workshops, educational programs, and special events offered for visitors of all ages and interests.
   • Explore other nearby attractions in Tacoma, such as the Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum, LeMay – America’s Car Museum, and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, for a comprehensive cultural experience in the city.
7. Getting There:
   • The Museum of Glass is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the Tacoma Link light rail, with stops near the museum’s entrance.
   • Paid parking is available on-site and in nearby lots and garages, with designated accessible parking spaces for visitors with disabilities.
   • Visitors can also enjoy scenic walks along the Thea Foss Waterway, explore nearby parks, waterfront attractions, and dining options, or take a boat tour for a unique perspective of Tacoma’s waterfront and cultural district.

A visit to The Museum of Glass offers a captivating exploration of contemporary glass art, glassmaking techniques, and artistic expression, providing an immersive and educational experience for tourists, art enthusiasts, families, and visitors seeking creativity and innovation in Tacoma, Washington.