Museum of Glass, Tacoma: Hours, Address, Museum of Glass Reviews: 4/5
Museum of Glass
Museum of Glass
4
About
An international center for contemporary art with a sustained focus on glass.
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Union Station/South 19th St • 3 min walk
- Convention Center/South 15th St • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
401 within 3 miles

El Gaucho Tacoma
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The Rock Wood Fired Pizza
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Johnny's Dock Restaurant & Marina
173
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36
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Attractions
75 within 6 miles

Washington State History Museum
238
0.1 miSpeciality Museums

Union Station
146
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Tacoma Art Museum
263
0.2 miArt Museums

Children's Museum of Tacoma
103
0.3 miChildren's Museums

Greater Tacoma Convention Center
48
0.3 miConvention Centers

LeMay - America's Car Museum
1,058
0.7 miSpeciality Museums

7 Seas Brewery & Taproom
41
0.3 miBreweries

Incline Cider House
2
0.3 miBreweries

Chihuly Bridge of Glass
624
1.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Old Soldier Distillery
1
0.4 miDistilleries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,297 reviews
Excellent
691
Very good
349
Average
174
Poor
54
Terrible
29
Holly D
United States55 contributions
The displays are well thought out and organized for perusal. The auditorium had cramped seating, but it was great to be able to watch the actual glass art creation process live! The Bridge of Glass spans the highway and has a large number of beautiful pieces on display, it is worth the trip up to see it. Big plus: Active duty military and family get in free. That was awesome! Down sides: The parking is under the museum and easy to miss if your aren't paying attention. It also has some tight turns. The gift shop...I normally purchase something just to lend some support, I just couldn't find anything that I found attractive, or that wasn't more expensive than I thought reasonable. And, I find paying $20 for a stuffed animal reasonable when supporting the zoo and such, so that might tell your something. The Bridge of Glass is NOT an actual bridge made of glass, it is a display and unfortunately there is the lingering scent of stale urine up there. Absolutely, go! See this museum and while you are at it check out some of the other museums that are in the area. It is definitely worth the trip.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ross A P
Fredericksburg, VA2,504 contributions
We had visited the LeMay-America's Car Museum and bought the package deal that included the Glass Museum. It was are last visiting points before returning home. Having seen the structure of the Museum, I thought we would be in for a real treat. We have seen many museum's on our travels and this one really didn't do anything for us other than the photo's I have enclosed. We felt like we were in a re-run shop in reference to the rest outside the areas these pieces are found. We all have our on points of view and I find glass work is a very special talent and we just love to see. The photo of the young artist with the snake in the tree actually made the trip worth while. It was my favorite piece along with the vase. I would certainly reconsider revising item five of your Visitors Guide.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SkykomishBob
Olympia, WA753 contributions
Often before I write a review I read what others thought by way of comparing our experience. I was amazed anyone could rate this place "poor," but as members I forget it's not an inexpensive place to visit, and if you are just taking pot luck as to what is there, you could well be disappointed. When you learn who will be in the hot shop for your visit, find pieces of her/his work, or at least pictures of the work, and try to envision how all that you see got put into the glass.
With that bit of prep, this place is brilliant! We went this time because the premier studio glass artist in the world was working in the hot shop. Seeing Lino Tagliapietra (hard G, every vowel pronounced) create his magic is the Superbowl of glass blowing. He's 84 and still turning out work that is new and cutting edge.
Think about a vessel that starts as a blob that gets coated in canes (round slivers of colored cold glass) laid parallel on a sheet by rolling the hot blob across them. Once they are melted into the blob, maybe a puff of air or two will expand the blob, then it is coated in fresh hot glass again and another procedure or two will be done to it such as forcing it into a mold that adds uniform crinkles before being dipped into more hot glass for another layer. Then at some point a new pipe is attached at the bottom and the blob is broken from the original pipe, then more procedures, and end changes with a little air going in now and again, and finally the whole thing gets spun or swung or twirled into a whole new shape, then pulled or trimmed into a final shape, where every layer and procedure will be visible, and parallel, or jagged in a uniform way, or both, and all of it breathtakingly beautiful in Lino's case. (There are other glass artists whose work is intriguing et. al. where beauty isn't meant to be part of the outcome, but with Lino it always is,)
Just the knowledge in the forearms and feel in the hands of Lino and the crew is amazing. The piece is fluid at all times, so it needs to be slowly rolled to keep gravity from slumping it off the pipe as it is heated and tweaked and rolled and smoothed and shaped, only to have that shape mashed into some other shape, but whatever happened during the previous shape will be visible and integral to the final piece.
The displays in the gallery were excellent and particularly enjoyable this visit, but here again there is a certain pot luck in our case as were were there to Lino in the hot shop and everything else was a bonus. The theater also always has worthwhile things showing. If you are not familiar with the work of the artist in residence and there is (as there often is) a film about her/his work, I strongly recommend seeing the film first. It will help you appreciate what you are seeing.
The cafe does excellent lunches also and can offer a perfect break during a visit.
With that bit of prep, this place is brilliant! We went this time because the premier studio glass artist in the world was working in the hot shop. Seeing Lino Tagliapietra (hard G, every vowel pronounced) create his magic is the Superbowl of glass blowing. He's 84 and still turning out work that is new and cutting edge.
Think about a vessel that starts as a blob that gets coated in canes (round slivers of colored cold glass) laid parallel on a sheet by rolling the hot blob across them. Once they are melted into the blob, maybe a puff of air or two will expand the blob, then it is coated in fresh hot glass again and another procedure or two will be done to it such as forcing it into a mold that adds uniform crinkles before being dipped into more hot glass for another layer. Then at some point a new pipe is attached at the bottom and the blob is broken from the original pipe, then more procedures, and end changes with a little air going in now and again, and finally the whole thing gets spun or swung or twirled into a whole new shape, then pulled or trimmed into a final shape, where every layer and procedure will be visible, and parallel, or jagged in a uniform way, or both, and all of it breathtakingly beautiful in Lino's case. (There are other glass artists whose work is intriguing et. al. where beauty isn't meant to be part of the outcome, but with Lino it always is,)
Just the knowledge in the forearms and feel in the hands of Lino and the crew is amazing. The piece is fluid at all times, so it needs to be slowly rolled to keep gravity from slumping it off the pipe as it is heated and tweaked and rolled and smoothed and shaped, only to have that shape mashed into some other shape, but whatever happened during the previous shape will be visible and integral to the final piece.
The displays in the gallery were excellent and particularly enjoyable this visit, but here again there is a certain pot luck in our case as were were there to Lino in the hot shop and everything else was a bonus. The theater also always has worthwhile things showing. If you are not familiar with the work of the artist in residence and there is (as there often is) a film about her/his work, I strongly recommend seeing the film first. It will help you appreciate what you are seeing.
The cafe does excellent lunches also and can offer a perfect break during a visit.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mshbnyehud
Dallas, TX1,097 contributions
By all means, try to visit the Museum of Glass during one of the visiting artists in residence opportunities. What they do in the demonstration area is simply fantastic! We also enjoyed the Lalique Special exhibit which is happening at this time.
I was really impressed with how hard the artisans work and how challenging it is (and time consuming) to put together a truly special piece of art. Kudos!!
I was really impressed with how hard the artisans work and how challenging it is (and time consuming) to put together a truly special piece of art. Kudos!!
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave M
Greensboro, NC129 contributions
You park in a garage next to the museum, go up one level and out on the the terrace to the entrance. It does cost but gives you good value. They have both permanent and changing exhibits and in the center their glass shop where you can watch glass being blown. We bought the DVD and booklet on when Dave Chihulay visited the museum and would recommend it.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kvanroon
Ireland32 contributions
Went here with my cousins as we heard so many things about it and thought it would be a nice way to spend the morning. Big mistake! We ended up spending the whole day here and none of us were sorry. From just walking into the lobby and seeing all the flags made of glass hanging over head to seeing the film by Dale Chihuly giving his story. To watching glass blowers at the kilns trying to make glass tumblers in under 7 minutes. Seeing all the incredibly detailed sculptures by native American artists is an explosion of kaleidoscopic colours so vibrant you just can't help but get immersed in the background stories. Our planned two hours ended up being six hours.
Written April 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SmokeyBlueTulle
Normal, IL213 contributions
Family
The hot shop was in full swing. It was cool to be able to sit or stand in the viewing area to observe the artists at work and hear about it from the emcee.
The work done in cooperation with community children was stellar. The opportunities to get you to interact with the exhibits was creative.
There was plenty of space to be distanced. Everyone was masked. The museum was immaculate!
The work done in cooperation with community children was stellar. The opportunities to get you to interact with the exhibits was creative.
There was plenty of space to be distanced. Everyone was masked. The museum was immaculate!
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teammilitello
Des Moines, IA693 contributions
Family
I, too, was hoping for more Chihuly glass pieces. I was also hoping the gift shop would have items at all price ranges. Sadly, I had to leave without a memento. Beautiful exhibit of glass art though.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
midwestnewy0rker
Silver Spring, MD566 contributions
Couples
I wrongly assumed the museum was only an exhibit of Dale Chihuly but it was so much more. The people working in the glass blowing section were interactive and fascinating to talk with. We were excited to watch them make an item and explain how and why they were doing it. Beautiful items on display. Excellent gift shop (we bought a pair of floating wine glasses). Very personable staff
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Edward Labao
Costa Mesa, CA15 contributions
The museum will touch all your senses from the hotshop to the theater, to the galleries, to the art based on kids' designs and the multiple displays of glass art. The bridge of glass art is astounding in its wall display especially the ceiling glass art by Chihuly. A definite must destination to see.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
is the museum of glass open on Labor Day?
rogerjm
Olympia, WA1,268 contributions
They are open on Monday, closed on Tuesday.
MichaelAndrea
Puyallup, WA2 contributions
does it cost money to observe in the hot shop?
Lisa8610
Wilmington, NC52 contributions
There is an admission into the museum which will include the hot shop. Sorry, I don't really remember the fee but you should be able to check on line.
JessicaB380
Renton, WA2 contributions
Is this a kid-friendly museum? I know, I know it is the GLASS Museum, but I thought I'd ask.
Lisa8610
Wilmington, NC52 contributions
Yes it is a kid friendly musuem. There was a room behind the entrance were a craft project of making paper hats was being worked on with families. The hot shop gallery is perfect for viewing. The displays are spaced far apart so you don't have to worry about bumping into them. However-no running.
0 seconds ago
truckdrivrforammo
92 contributions
Is there a gift shop?
WALewisC
Elk, WA88 contributions
Yes, there is a very nice gift shop on the main floor.
Planning a holiday trip to Tacoma around the Chihuly exhibits and installations, looking at the 24th to 27th. Can you plesse advise if there are any days when these are closed? Also is the live workshop open to public during the Chistma-New Year season?
PhotographVagabond
Tacoma, WA255 contributions
So sorry, please notice this site won't allow web addresses. So next best thing, I took out the periods so you can't, I'm sorry, just copy and paste.
This is a link to the official Museum of Glass website: museumofglass org
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday 12 to 5 with hot shop demos every day. There are special workshops available:
Fusing Workshops
Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 1 - 5 pm
Kids Design Glass in the Hot Shop
Sunday, 12 - 5 pm
And Chihuly Walking Tour
Friday, 2 - 3 pm
If, on the main page you click on "Check the Event Calendar" under "This Week At MOG" (left side under the banner) you can see who will be working in the hot shop (click on the artist's name for more info) as well as any other special events happening to help you decide when to go.
If you're able to go on a non rainy day, plan in some time to walk around outside to enjoy the Glass Bridge (lots of Chihuly art there), look at the display in Union Station and the Larry Anderson sculpture outside, enjoy the outside installations on the MOG grounds and the pleasant surroundings, bridges and skyline.
When you get hungry there is a cafe at MOG. However, if you want a good meal drive around Thea Foss Waterway to Johnny's Dock directly across the water from MOG. Or at the corner of Pacific Ave and S.15th St (right in the vicinity of The Marriott Courtyard, the Convention Center and the Tacoma Art Museum) you'll find Pacific Grill pacificgrilltacoma com which offers free parking: inquire inside then park. They have wonderful, delicious food and a generous Happy Hour food and drink menu. Be aware street parking is pay-for at kiosks and strictly enforced.
You'll have a wonderful day!
parteegaga
Portland, OR21 contributions
What are the hours of operation?
PhotographVagabond
Tacoma, WA255 contributions
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday 12 to 5 with hot shop demos every day. There are special workshops available. Google Museum of Glass Tacoma for lots more information. (they won't let me give you a web address here but check my answer to another question about this).
Frequently Asked Questions about Museum of Glass
- Museum of Glass is open:
- Fri - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Museum of Glass:
- (0.28 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown
- (0.28 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- (0.44 mi) Hotel Murano
- (0.26 mi) Marriott Tacoma Downtown
- (0.60 mi) Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Tacoma
- Restaurants near Museum of Glass:
- (0.01 mi) Incalmo
- (0.02 mi) Hot Shop Café
- (0.02 mi) Choripan by Asado
- (0.08 mi) Johnny's Dock Restaurant & Marina
- (0.10 mi) The Social Bar and Grill