Chihuly Bridge of Glass
A breathtaking pedestrian bridge adorned with vibrant, large-scale glass installations by artist Dale Chihuly.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking pedestrian bridge adorned with vibrant, large-scale glass installations by artist Dale Chihuly.
"It is absolutely a gorgeous bridge, adorned with elaborate Chihuly artwork for public display."
🚶♀️ Walk the entire length
Don't rush! Take your time to admire all three installations: Seaform Pavilion, Venetian Wall, and Crystal Towers.
✨ Visit at night
The Crystal Towers light up, creating a magical ambiance. It's a different, stunning experience after dark.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seaform Pavilion
Covered portion of the bridge
Thousands of colorful, marine-life inspired glass objects adorning the ceiling. A true underwater spectacle above your head.
Venetian Wall
Along the bridge
An 80-foot-long display featuring over 100 intricate Chihuly sculptures, showcasing vibrant colors and forms.
Crystal Towers
Along the bridge
Towering, ice-like glass structures that illuminate at night, creating a magical and ethereal atmosphere.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the entire length
Don't rush! Take your time to admire all three installations: Seaform Pavilion, Venetian Wall, and Crystal Towers.
✨ Visit at night
The Crystal Towers light up, creating a magical ambiance. It's a different, stunning experience after dark.
📸 Capture the colors
The vibrant glass art is incredibly photogenic. Experiment with different angles to showcase its beauty.
☕ Grab a coffee nearby
Many visitors enjoy a coffee from a local shop before or after their bridge walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the entire length
Don't rush! Take your time to admire all three installations: Seaform Pavilion, Venetian Wall, and Crystal Towers.
✨ Visit at night
The Crystal Towers light up, creating a magical ambiance. It's a different, stunning experience after dark.
📸 Capture the colors
The vibrant glass art is incredibly photogenic. Experiment with different angles to showcase its beauty.
☕ Grab a coffee nearby
Many visitors enjoy a coffee from a local shop before or after their bridge walk.
➡️ Connect to Museum of Glass
The bridge is a direct link to the Museum of Glass, making it easy to combine both attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Chihuly Bridge of Glass for its stunning beauty and unique artistic merit, calling it a 'must-see' and 'gorgeous.' The intricate glass installations, especially the Seaform Pavilion and illuminated Crystal Towers, are frequently highlighted as breathtaking. Its role as a functional connector to the Museum of Glass and downtown Tacoma also earns high marks for convenience and accessibility.
"I parked on Pacific and had a good cup of coffee before walking across the Chihuly Bridge over to the glass museum.
I can’t believe they have that much cool stuff on a bridge!
I would imagine it could take up to 20 minutes to check out all the pieces, especially since summer over overhead and then other are in a wall type of display ."
Kirk Anderson
"A lovely combination of form and function. On a practical level, it connects the waterfront to the street, allowing everyone to easily pass from the shopping areas to the promenade and the Museum of Glass. It is very easy to take this bridge from the light rail, which is one component of why I found this city very cohesive and easy to navigate (I didn't need to look at a map once). But it is also absolutely a gorgeous bridge, adorned with elaborate Chihuly artwork for public display. The wild, swirling glass work evokes the colors and primal vitality of the sea, very appropriate for the Pacific Northwest. I imagine on a clear day, when the sun is shining brightly on the glass, it looks absolutely dream-like, but even on a cloudy day, the colors looked so comforting and elegant."
Joshua Fagan
"I read about the Bridge of Glass and it was more then I expected. If you have time to go back at night it would be stunning"
Gloria Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chihuly Bridge of Glass is easily accessible in Tacoma, Washington. It connects downtown Tacoma to the Museum of Glass and the waterfront. Many visitors arrive via the light rail, which offers a convenient way to navigate the city and reach the bridge without needing a map. Parking is available on Pacific Avenue.
Yes, parking is available on Pacific Avenue, which is adjacent to the bridge and the Museum of Glass. Consider street parking or nearby lots.
Absolutely! The bridge serves as a pedestrian link between downtown Tacoma and the waterfront area, making it a pleasant walk from many downtown locations.
Yes, the light rail is a great option for reaching the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, making it a cohesive and easy-to-navigate part of Tacoma's public transport system.
The best way to experience the bridge is by walking its entire length to appreciate all three distinct Chihuly installations. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more serene experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a public art installation and is completely free to visit and walk across.
As an outdoor pedestrian bridge, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is accessible 24/7. However, the Crystal Towers are particularly stunning when illuminated at night.
No, tickets are not required as the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a free public attraction.
While the bridge is a stunning art installation and connects directly to the Museum of Glass, it is a separate public artwork. Admission to the bridge itself is free.
Yes, you can absolutely visit and enjoy the Chihuly Bridge of Glass without visiting the Museum of Glass. It's a beautiful public space on its own.
📸 📸 Photography
The Seaform Pavilion ceiling offers unique overhead shots, while the Venetian Wall provides opportunities for close-ups of individual sculptures. The Crystal Towers are especially dramatic when photographed at night.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged on the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Capture the vibrant colors and intricate details!
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful natural light. For a different perspective, visit at night to see the Crystal Towers illuminated.
While generally permitted, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Professional photography setups might require permits, but casual visitor photos are welcome.
Any camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture the beauty of the glass art. The key is to play with light and angles to highlight the colors and textures.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You could spend about 20 minutes to half an hour exploring all the installations on the bridge, especially if you stop to take photos and admire the details.
The bridge features three main installations: the Seaform Pavilion ceiling, the Venetian Wall with numerous sculptures, and the illuminated Crystal Towers.
Yes, children often find the colorful and whimsical glass art fascinating. It's a safe and engaging outdoor space for families to explore.
Designed by architect Arthur Andersson and adorned with Dale Chihuly's art, it serves as a gateway to Tacoma and a stunning public art display, gifted to the city in 2002.
While there are no strict rules against it, it's best to enjoy food and drinks before or after your walk to keep the glass art pristine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's also a great way to get some fresh air and exercise as you walk across the bridge, connecting the waterfront to downtown. Consider combining your visit with the nearby Museum of Glass, which often has interactive exhibits that are perfect for younger visitors.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
The bridge itself is a work of art, designed by architect Arthur Andersson, and serves as a stunning public gallery. Take your time to explore each of the three distinct installations: the Seaform Pavilion, the Venetian Wall, and the Crystal Towers.
Each offers a unique perspective on Chihuly's artistic vision and technical skill. Visiting at different times of day, especially at night when the Crystal Towers are illuminated, provides varied and equally breathtaking experiences. +1 Don't forget to explore the adjacent Museum of Glass for an even deeper dive into the world of glass art. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free activities in Tacoma, such as exploring the waterfront parks or enjoying the city's public spaces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Dale Chihuly
On the bridge, visitors can marvel at distinct collections. The Seaform Pavilion features over 2,000 glass objects suspended overhead, evoking the fluidity and wonder of the ocean. The Venetian Wall showcases a dense arrangement of individual sculptures, each a testament to Chihuly's mastery of glassblowing techniques. Finally, the Crystal Towers add a dramatic, sculptural element, especially when illuminated, casting a magical glow.
Chihuly's connection to Tacoma is deep; he considers it his hometown.
This personal link imbues the Bridge of Glass with an added layer of significance, making it a true gift to the city and a must-see for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The bridge's design by architect Arthur Andersson complements Chihuly's vision, creating a cohesive and impactful artistic statement. Navigating Tacoma with Ease
Many travelers highlight the convenience of Tacoma's light rail system as a major plus. It provides an efficient and stress-free way to get around, including direct access to the bridge and the museum. This makes it simple to park once and explore multiple points of interest, reducing the need for constant navigation or searching for parking.
Beyond the bridge and museum, Tacoma offers a variety of cultural experiences, from music venues to other museums, catering to diverse interests.
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