Chihuly Garden and Glass
In a purely geographical sense, Chihuly Garden and Glass sits in the Space Needle’s shadow. As a spectacle, however, it is far from overshadowed by its more famous neighbor. Indeed, if TripAdvisor reviews are anything to go by, Chihuly Garden and Glass actually ou
tdoes the towering colossus – as well as every other one of Seattle’s cornucopia of attractions.
All those people can’t be wrong. And, you know what? They aren’t. Chihuly Garden and Glass more than warrants being rated as Seattle’s number one attraction. All you need do is look around to see why. The bewitching interplay between glass and light imbues the luminous artworks with an almost liquid majesty that seems to flow between states of splendor. All in all, the mesmeric effect transcends the moment to live on as one of those cherished memories you’ll simply never forget.
Dale Chihuly’s breathtaking artworks are showcased across a custom-made glasshouse, an 8-gallery exhibition hall, and a spectacular garden. On top of that, visitors can also check out the on-site theatre to learn about Chihuly’s creative process, or pop over to the cafe for a bite to eat.
The Glasshouse
Given the cavernous structure’s imposing scale – it stands some 40-foot tall and covers 4,500 square feet – it is little wonder that it is considered to be the attraction’s centerpiece. However, if that is so, then the centerpiece’s centerpiece is undoubtedly the awe-inspiring 100-foot long glass sculpture that bisects the space. Very much a jigsaw-phobe’s nightmare, the magnificent work – which, incidentally, just so happens to be one of Chihuly’s largest suspended pieces – is composed of a mind-frazzling 1,340 pieces.
It goes without saying that the overall effect is dazzling.
The Exhibition Hall
The Exhibition Hall is divided into 8 galleries and 3 drawing walls. All of which, needless to say, offer their own intriguing delights. The Glass Forest, for example, is an otherworldly display that evokes a surreal arboreal landscape. The Persian Ceiling Room, meanwhile, is a magical space that seems to bathe in rainbows. Elsewhere, Puget Sound’s underwater world is brought to life in the Sealife Room. While the Northwest Room reveals Chihuly’s Native American influences.
Believe it or not, that’s only the start of it.
The Mille Fiori gallery is Chihuly’s psychedelic tribute to his mother’s gardening skills. While the playful boat exhibits crystallize the artist’s longstanding fascination with Japanese culture. Picking up where the Glass Forest left off, the Macchia Forest is characterized by the bold and inventive use of color. Moreover, on top of all that, there is still room aplenty for Chihuly’s trademark chandeliers to take center stage.
Chihuly Garden
The Chihuly Garden is truly a garden like no other. You see, its lush greenery is punctuated by vivid eye-grabbing glassworks. Alongside camellias, fuchsias, and dogwoods, visitors can expect to find reflective spheres, features resembling crystalline stalagmites, and even a spectacular sun.
How Much Does it Cost?
Out of state visitors, aged 13-64 can expect to pay $32. Seniors and Washington residents, meanwhile, can avail of the cheaper rate of $27. Youths, aged 5-12, will have to hand over $19. While children aged 4 and under can get in for free.