Chihuly Garden & Glass

If you are planning on coming to a day at Seattle, there's so much to do that it can be honestly overwhelming in the sleepy hills. Often times it's probably raining, which can limit what you do with the family!

One thing I highly recommend is to go get the City Pass online. There's tons of museum options to choose from or the aquarium which I will cover in another article. But today I want to showcase one of the coolest parts of Seattle and it's highly underrated. You definitely want to check out the Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit.

This place has the coolest glass sculptures! Keep in mind because everything is super breakable, they were watching my kids super closely. They have someone standing guard in each room. But the experience and the photos I got were 100% worth it. I don't blame them for being protective of the guys work. It's worth millions.

The glass museum was created by Dale Chihuly, who's a world famous glass artist based out of Washington, who was introduced to glass making while studying interior design at the Univeristy of Washington! After graduating in 1965, he enrolled in the first glass program in the country at the University of Wisconsin.

He then went to continue his studies at the Rhode Island School of Design where he later established the glass program and taught for more than a decade. Now he has work that's been featured in 200 collections in various museums world wide.

He has been the recipient of many awardss including twelve honorary doctorates and 2 fellowships from the National Edowment for the Arts. So needless to say the guy is really good at what he does!

This exhibit is located at the Seattle Center and brings together all of Dale's work, which also include really cool drawings, iconic glass creations, large archetctural installations, and personal collections. This is a long term exhibition, meaning it's not going away. And features indoor and outdoor galleries, the glass house, and the ever-changing garden.

They also have a really nice bar, although I didn't get a chance to eat there that day it seemed really reasonably priced considering it's down town Seattle. There's a theater which really shows a really well done documentary about his life and his process for making glass. Plus communicating that emphasis on the art community as a whole.

They do glass making classes here, and what's cool is that they do stuff to help with art therapy for veterans in the community. I only know this because I was offered the opportunity to come down for Veterans Day, and unfortunately had to decline due to scheduling conflictions. But they are teaching so many people about this art and it's a beautiful experience.

I love this place. It's perfect for a slow date to get to know people, hanging out with friends, and honestly makes for really cool photos for instagram or influencer photoshoots. I was told that you can rent the glass room for wedding evidentally, which is so beautiful and for private events, which honestly would make sense. It's such a unique location.

If you happen to be in the area, definitely check this place out! I would say obviously for young kids- unless they are super in check with behavior I wouldn't say it's the best place for them. I was honestly really stressed out to some degree. My son has autism and he stims alot, and the individuals who were watching us sort of made things uncomfortable. Again that's a really individual problem.

I would say just use your better judgment on age appropriateness activities. I think if it's adults or older kids, possibly if a kiddo is in a stroller then that's 100% okay. I definitely plan to come back here someday alone when I don't have the kids so I can take the time to appreciate each gallery piece. There's also a really stellar gift shop at the end, so bring extra spending money!

Until next time!

For more travel insights on Washington state and other various family adventure updates consider subscribing to us! My whole mission is to bring awareness to parenting kiddos with autism. And that it's entirely possible to live a life full of adventure. Nature is for EVERYONE. *Please note any tips sent will be put towards gas money and various passes that are needed for Washington state.* -Kayla