Chihuly Garden and Glass

The basics

Explore the career of glass artist Dale Chihuly and take in his many sculptures in the Exhibition Hall, watch videos about his art in the Theater, and stroll through the sculpture garden. Then, admire the museum’s centerpiece—a 40-foot (12-meter) glass-covered building with Chihuly’s famous flower-like sculptures hanging from the ceiling. Visit as part of a private Chihuly Garden and Glass tour or a self-guided experience; the museum sells both stand-alone tickets and packages that include a trip to the iconic Space Needle.

Things to know before you go

• Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must-visit for general art fans and admirers of Dale Chihuly’s work.

• The museum and the gardens are wheelchair accessible.

• The museum includes a small café and a gift shop with apparel, accessories, garden items, and jewelry.

• An adult must accompany visitors under 14 years old.

• Large strollers are not permitted in the galleries.

• Groups of 15 or more people are eligible for a discounted ticket price.

How to get there

Chihuly Garden and Glass is located near the Space Needle, north of Seattle’s downtown core. There is street parking in the area, as well as parking garages nearby. The museum is accessible via the monorail, which connects to downtown. Numerous city buses stop nearby, including routes 2, 4, 13, and 24.

When to get there

Chihuly Garden and Glass is at its busiest during summer weekends. To avoid crowds, consider visiting early on a weekday, or coming in the colder months. Your Chihuly Garden and Glass ticket allows you to enter more than once in a day, and the glass is beautiful when illuminated by sunlight as well as at night, when it shines dramatically under the dark sky.

Other nearby attractions

Attractions near Chihuly Garden and Glass include the Seattle Children’s Museum, Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and Museum of Pop Culture. All of these, including numerous restaurants and park spaces, are part of the complex known as the Seattle Center.

Ways to explore

Located in the sprawling Seattle Center complex, Chihuly Garden and Glass lets you consider the artist from all angles—in the airy Glasshouse, a massive red, orange, and yellow glass sculpture stretches through the air; the peaceful Garden space is curated around organic-feeling sculptures; the Galleries include extensive examples of Chihuly’s work, while its theater hosts movies showcasing Chihuly in action. Spend an hour or two exploring the exhibits, and then refresh with a cocktail and some appetizers at the Pacific Northwest-inspired bar. The space is often visited alongside the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture, or the Pacific Science Center, all just steps away.

Accessibility

The entire space is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to rent on arrival. Transcripts of the various audio elements are available.

Age limits

There are no age limits, but children should be closely supervised.

What to pack

Credit card, small bag

What to wear

If visiting the attached bar, feel free to dress up a little.

Not allowed

Umbrellas, large bags, water bottles, food, flash photography, tripods, video cameras, speaking on cell phones in the galleries

Amenities

Shop, bar, free tours, coat check

Address 

Seattle Center is home to many activities and attractions, and it’s easy to reach by the Seattle Monorail (an attraction in its own right) or by car.

Driving

You'll find plenty of parking lots surrounding the Seattle Center—the nearest to Chihuly Garden and Glass is the Seattle Center Fifth Avenue North Garage, which can be reached from downtown Seattle by heading north along First Ave, turning right onto Cedar Street, and then following the road onto Fifth Avenue North.

Public transportation

The Seattle Monorail runs from downtown Westlake Center to the Seattle Center, making no other stops. The journey takes two minutes. Chihuly Garden and Glass is clearly visible once you exit the monorail.

Best times to visit

Hours vary day to day, but aim for the morning or late afternoon, when the softer light flatters the glass. Guided tours run three times a day; check the website for times.

Best days to visit

Sunday and Thursday, when the museum is open longer but tends to have fewer visitors, are good options.

Best months to visit

The spring and summer months of May and June offer clear, sunny days, perfect for admiring the gardens and the way the light interacts with the sculptures.

Special events

Autumn and winter events are often held at the Glasshouse, including yoga, dance, and painting classes with cocktails.