Attraction
Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle at Seattle Center has an observation level at 520 feet and The Loupe, a revolving glass floor.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Next to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass shows Dale Chihuly's studio glass in indoor galleries, a tall Glasshouse and a planted garden.
At a glance
- Type
- Glass art museum
- Area
- Seattle Center, Seattle, United States
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- chihulygardenandglass.com
Good to know
- Garden
- Glasshouse
- Free coat and bag check
- Bar
- Live glass demonstrations
Why we recommend it
Chihuly Garden and Glass opened on 21 May 2012 on the site of the old Fun Forest amusement park at Seattle Center, directly beside the Space Needle. It is devoted to the work of the glass artist Dale Chihuly and is laid out in three parts: interior exhibition galleries, the Glasshouse and an outdoor garden.
The galleries show large installations of his work. The Glasshouse is the centrepiece, a tall glass hall with a suspended installation about 100 feet long, which changes character with the light and looks especially good towards dusk. Outside, the garden mixes glass sculpture with planting, so the pieces sit among trees and flowers and frame views of the Space Needle above.
Opening hours are 10:30am to 5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30am to 4:30pm on Wednesday, 10am to 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Hours can change for private events and are posted about a month ahead, so check before going. The average visit to the galleries, garden and Glasshouse takes one to two hours. Live glass demonstrations run daily from 11am.
Combination tickets with the Space Needle are a popular choice, and the attraction is also part of Seattle CityPASS. Photography is allowed, including flash, but phone calls are not permitted in the galleries, so step into the garden if you need to take one. Large bags, suitcases and large pushchairs cannot go inside, but there is a free coat and bag check. Food and drink are not allowed in the exhibition, though there is a bar on site, and pizza is sold in the Art Plaza in summer. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The collection suits couples and anyone interested in design, and older children usually enjoy the colour and scale. Visiting late on a Friday or Saturday gives you the Glasshouse in evening light, and pairing it with a sunset ticket at the Space Needle makes a good evening plan.
The easiest way to arrive is the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Station downtown. The Museum of Pop Culture is also a few minutes' walk away.
Chihuly Garden and Glass FAQs
What are the opening hours?
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10:30am to 5:30pm, Wednesday 10:30am to 4:30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 7:30pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
How long does a visit take?
The average visit to the galleries, garden and Glasshouse takes one to two hours.
Can you buy a combined ticket with the Space Needle?
Yes. Combination tickets are sold, and the attraction is also part of Seattle CityPASS.
Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography is allowed, including flash.
Is there a bag check?
Yes. Large bags, suitcases and large pushchairs are not allowed inside, but the coat and bag check is free.
Are there glassblowing demonstrations?
Yes. Live glass demonstrations run daily from 11am.
Can you eat inside?
No. Food and drink are not allowed in the exhibition, but there is a bar on site.
How do you get there?
Take the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Station and walk a couple of minutes from the Seattle Center stop.