Museum of Glass

Address:	1801 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
Phone:	+1 253-284-4750
Site:	museumofglass.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Laura-Beth M

We greatly enjoyed our time spent here. Im an art historian and my partner is really not an art guy at all, but he thoroughly enjoyed the museum. The building itself is beautiful and designed by Arthur Erickson -- being Canadians we HAD to go see some Canadian designed stuff. The interior was nice, the galleries were diverse, well-curated, had good signage so that we could understand them. I didnt feel overwhelmed by the amount of items displayed. We both loved watching the hot shop glass blowing going on. I understand that the artists here sort of rotate, so my advice to future museum goers would be to check whos using that space. The announcer did a fabulous job of answering our questions and the artist came and spoke with me personally, which I really appreciated. The little shop was totally overpriced, but cant really change that. The cafe was so good. We had breakfast sandwiches for about $7 each and they were really tasty with lots of meat, eggs, and cheese. The coffee had a funky taste, but overall for $15 cant complain. The staff were very welcoming and nice. Im surprised this place has such poor reviews, weve been to many museums and cultural sites and this is definitely going to the top of our list. Highly recommend!!

Debbie Van Straten

I visited the glass museum for the second time on Labor Day Weekend, Sunday, September 4. I was disappointed on two accounts. First, the interactive area has been removed and I was planning to enjoy it with the nine year old I had with me. Then, I was treated most rudely by the facilitator in the glass demonstrating auditorium. Prior to the show, they had made a small, glass horse. I asked him if it was for sale. He abruptly responded "no". Then, I said something like I wanted to buy it for the little girl with me as she loves horses. He responded, "So does every kid here." Geez. I was quite sensitive and walked out. My guests stayed a little longer and then, came to find me. I talked to the manager, Tom, and he proceeded to tell me that they are often ask by guests if they can buy something that was made and they get tired of the question, explaining that is why he facilitator might have answered it rudely, saying he shouldnt have. It all sounded like an excuse to me. Then, he went on to say that if I wanted, he would give me a free ticket to return. In other words, he gave me permission to ask for a ticket to return. I didnt. So disappointed; ruined our experience.

Stephanie J

SKIP THIS!!!! Unless you are an art/glass-art buff and LOVE Chihuly... or maybe know nothing of either, this is a complete waste of time. If you want to see glass blowing done right before your eyes, check out the Renton or Redmond glass studios. They sell glass art and have blowers working onsite. You can view these guys for free. You can even sign up for classes. When we were there there was maybe 5-10 pieces of glass, in the museum, no blowers (though there was a room where they do blowing), a bunch of Chihulys doodles (I like him, but Im not a big fan), kids doodles and their glass and clay duplicates. NOT impressed at all. We ate at their cafe. The kitchen staff was pleasant and the food, though over priced, was good. The counter girls were lacking in personality, friendliness and came off as snobby. The lady who worked the front counter of the museum was pretty friendly. The store had some cool items in it. Check out the store for free and then walk across the bridge with the glass art for free. Do NOT pay to go in this place.

Kimberly Orndorff

The Art starts with the.building itself.. Then the water features.. As your inside theres art everywhere of course. The staff is very knowledgeable and could answer all of my questions. We came on a day when live Art demonstrations were happening. (Check events to catch live demonstrations on your day of visit) We enjoyed the Arts and crafts that were offered with a little educational course given with the craft. (The crafts are free- check for when available) The Art Bridge is gorgeous! The gift shop has beautiful pieces for sale that have been made on site. As well as beautiful Art books on local Artists and visiting Artists to the Glass museum. There are so many photo opportunities at this museum. Plan ahead and it will make your experience a A+. I have found tickets available on Groupon a few times. So if your penny pinching look there first for tickets. If you enjoy the history and future of automobiles you can make a full day out of your visit to Tacoma by visiting there as well. Enjoy!

Todd Canterbury

Interesting place! The art Gallery is good, but what gives this place a real "Makers COOL Factor", , is the "live glass blowing". This is way cool! The live glass is blown in a auditorium/workshop/stage that offers the visitor a Stadium Seat while the Artist in Residence creates with molten glass? The venue offers a informative Info Graphics that plays on the 2 movie screens. Info about history of glass, how its colored, how its made, its uses, and other cool stuff! There is a staff member who walks around the seating area asking if you have any questions. And these folks got Ph.D knowledge of the chemistry, applications, process and the Art of Glass! Gift Shop was moderately Priced, Way Better Than Chihuly in Seattle (Over F-ing Priced

Pendragon Z

I went there today expecting a lot. Boy was I disappointed. Theres only one level and I was expecting a much larger gallery space. What bothered me the most was how unhelpful the staff was. The receptionist wasnt able to answer some simple questions, and in particular the guy in the hot shop. He ignored me at first. I expected the hot shop guy to be much more knowledgeable about glass but he wasnt able to provide me with a helpful answer. Maybe my question was too specialized. What really bothered me was how impatient he was towards me when he seemed much friendlier to other visitors. It was an awkward conversation. I wont go back again.

Nick Koubele

For someone who has never had the push to enjoy a museum, I would highly recommend the Museum of Glass. Though the galleries do not take that much time to wonder through, the variety and change over make a great cause to purchase a season membership. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The best part about the Museum of Glass is the Hot Shop. Seeing the actual glass being blown gives the live performance aspect that really allows you to feel you have received your full value of admittance. As well as having a very knowledgeable MC on the Hot Shop floor that will answer all viewer questions.

Seungsook Park

유리 공예의 운신 폭이 엄청 넓고도 크네요. 무엇보다 그 점에 감탄하고 유리의 정의가 잞깨지는 투명함이 아니라 뜨거운 불에 녹여내며 모양 잡고 무늬 넣고 색 입히는 것임을 터득했습니다. 작품 전시는 다른 사람들 후기 때문에 기대했던 만큼 크지는 않았어요. 충분히 찬찬히 둘러볼 만합니다. 스토어는 그림의 떡이네요.

Tracy Young

The hot shop was amazing to watch. I wish there were more than one person working. After about 20 mins, they stopped for lunch. I was glad we went there first. There was some cool displays, but really felt like there should have been more to see. I enjoyed the kids drawings that were made in glass. On the bridge going over the train tracks was actually more art displayed than in the museum and the glass ceiling was so beautiful. Both of these last two things are free. Im glad we went, but probably wont pay to go in again. The free things are special to see again though!