1. Overview of the Bridge of Glass
The Bridge of Glass, designed by Dale Chihuly, is a remarkable free attraction in Tacoma, Washington. Visitors can enjoy stunning art installations while strolling over the bridge, which connects downtown Tacoma to Thea Foss Waterway and its cultural landmarks.
2. Location and Access
The Bridge of Glass serves as a pathway from downtown Tacoma to the Museum of Glass and the Foss Waterway Seaport. You can easily access the Bridge from Pacific Avenue by navigating through the area between Union Station and the Washington State History Museum. Additionally, from the Foss Waterway side, the Bridge connects directly to the staircase leading to the Museum of Glass.
3. Spectacular Artwork
The bridge is adorned with an impressive display of glass art by Dale Chihuly, including:
- Seaform Pavilion: Featuring a glass ceiling composed of 2,364 unique pieces of glass that create a dazzling spectacle.
- Crystal Towers: Two striking blue spires made from a type of plastic called Polyvitro, not glass, showcasing 63 individual pieces in each tower.
- Venetian Wall: Displaying 109 vibrant glass vases, each uniquely crafted and embellished with intricate designs.
4. Bridge Design Features
Spanning 500 feet, the Bridge of Glass was completed in 2002 as a gift to the city of Tacoma. The bridge, designed in collaboration with Chihuly by architect Arthur Andersson, plays a significant role in enhancing connectivity between urban areas that were previously separated by the freeway.
5. About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly, a renowned glass artist originally from Tacoma, continues to have a significant impact on the local art scene. His works can be found not only on the Bridge of Glass but also at various cultural institutions such as the Tacoma Art Museum, Union Station, and more.
6. Nearby Attractions
The Bridge of Glass is conveniently located near several museums, including:
- The Washington State History Museum
- The Tacoma Art Museum
- The Museum of Glass
In addition, visitors can explore a variety of shops and dining options along Pacific Avenue, including popular spots like Harmon’s Brewery and Indochine. Furthermore, the Link Light Rail offers easy access to other parts of the city, making it a great option for further exploration.
You can’t miss the Bridge of Glass by Dale Chihuly if you’re driving into downtown Tacoma on I-705 – it arches right over the freeway. By day, two blue crystalline towers sparkle in the sun (if there’s any sun…this is Washington after all). By night, the entire structure is lit up. It’s a sight to see, but it’s even better to get up close and walk across the structure on foot. Even better, it’s free to walk!
Tacoma’s Bridge of Glass is one of the most unique things to see in the South Sound region. For glass art fans and Dale Chihuly fans in particular, the bridge might just be a highlight for all of Western Washington as there are lots of places to see glass art, but no others with so much glass in one spot that are free.
Crossing the bridge also gets you great views of Tacoma and its surroundings. On clear days, you can see Mt. Rainier in the distance. On all days, you can see most of downtown Tacoma, the Tacoma Dome, LeMay – America’s Car Museum and the Thea Foss Waterway. If you enjoy photography, the bridge opens up all kinds of opportunities, from artwork photos to interesting shots of the freeway beneath.
