Glass sculptures lit at dusk in the reflecting pool outside the Museum of Glass, with its steel cone behind

Museum of Glass

Photo: Kathy Townsend via Google Maps

Museum of Glass sits on the Thea Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma, and its tilted stainless steel cone has become a Tacoma landmark. Since opening in 2002, the museum has been devoted to contemporary glass art and the studio glass movement, with a working studio at its heart where you can watch artists shape molten glass in real time.

That live glassmaking is the reason to go. The museum describes it as rare public access to glassmaking demonstrations, and the show changes with every visiting artist. Add the walk across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass from downtown and the visit turns into a stroll through glass art along the waterfront.

Note for 2026: the museum is in the middle of a major renovation. Its traditional galleries are closed until December 2026, while the Hot Shop, Education Studio, Store and Café stay open and the Grand Hall holds smaller exhibitions.

What You’ll See

  • The Hot Shop: a 7,000 square foot studio inside the cone with seating for about 145 people, where you watch glassblowing up close. The museum calls it among the finest in the world, and it hosts more than 50 visiting artists every year.
  • The cone: 100 feet across at its base and wrapped in 2,800 diamond shaped stainless steel panels, it was inspired by the wood beehive burners of the sawmills that once lined the waterway.
  • The Chihuly Bridge of Glass: a 500 foot pedestrian bridge, designed by architect Arthur Erickson with artist Dale Chihuly, that links the museum to downtown Tacoma.
  • The Lino Tagliapietra Legacy Gallery: a new permanent gallery of about 4,000 square feet built around the 175 works the Italian glass master donated in 2023, with more than 50 pieces on view at a time. It is expected to open with the renovated galleries in December 2026.
  • The Education Studio: a space for hands on workshops and Family Days.

The Story Behind It

The museum grew out of the effort to remake the Thea Foss Waterway, and its site was secured in 1995. Canadian architect Arthur Erickson was chosen in 1997, and the building became his first major art museum in the United States. Museum of Glass opened on July 6, 2002, to thousands of visitors, and in 2007 it became a collecting institution, building a permanent collection that now anchors the new Tagliapietra gallery.

The $25 million renovation that began in April 2026 is the biggest change since opening. It adds new lighting, display cases, climate controls and better visitor flow through the galleries.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Until the galleries reopen in December 2026, check the website for what is on view in the Grand Hall before you go. The Hot Shop runs its full lineup of visiting artists throughout the renovation.
  • Parking in the museum garage is limited during construction; the website posts overflow parking options.
  • Make the Chihuly Bridge of Glass part of your visit by walking over from downtown Tacoma.
  • The Museum Café is open during construction if you want to linger between Hot Shop sessions.
  • The museum keeps an accessibility page with visitor services and tips on its website.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 1801 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: 253.284.4750
Website: museumofglass.org
Hours and admission: Check the museum website for current days, hours, and admission before you visit.
Directions: View on Google Maps

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