The Museum of Glass is a contemporary art museum located on the Thea Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma, Washington. It opened in 2002 and is dedicated to the art of glass making.
The museum’s mission is to inspire visitors by showcasing the medium of glass through a variety of exhibitions, collections, and educational programs. The centerpiece of the museum is a 90-foot tall glass cone-shaped structure known as the “Hot Shop”, which serves as a working glass studio and performance space.
Some key facts about the Museum of Glass:
- Exhibits a permanent collection of contemporary glass art, as well as rotating special exhibitions
- Houses a 3,000-square-foot hot shop studio where visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations
- Offers hands-on glass art classes and workshops for both children and adults
- Includes an outdoor pedestrian bridge called the Bridge of Glass, which features large-scale glass installations
- Has an amphitheater, café, and museum store on-site
- Attracts over 130,000 visitors per year, making it one of Tacoma’s top cultural attractions
The Museum of Glass has become an iconic landmark for the city of Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest region. It has helped establish Tacoma as a hub for contemporary glass art and has contributed to the city’s revitalization efforts along the waterfront. The museum’s innovative architecture, dynamic programming, and stunning glass installations make it a must-see destination for art lovers and glass enthusiasts.
Museum of Glass: Prices
The Museum of Glass website lists the following prices for admission:
General Admission:
- Adults (18+): $20
- Seniors (65+): $18
- Students (with ID): $18
- Youth (5-17): $12
- Children (4 and under): Free
- Military (with ID): Free
Group Rates:
- Groups of 10 or more: $15 per person
- School groups: $10 per person
Additional Fees:
- Special exhibitions may have an additional fee.
- Guided tours are available for an additional fee.
- Some workshops and classes have an additional fee.
- Parking is available for a fee in the Thea Foss Waterway parking garage.
Free Admission Days:
- The Museum of Glass offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month from 5-8 pm.
- The Museum of Glass also offers free admission to active military personnel and their families as part of the Blue Star Museums program.
