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POINT OF INTEREST

Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Tacoma, WA, 98402

Connecting the Thea Foss Waterway and downtown Tacoma to the Museum of Glass, the 500-foot (152-meter) Chihuly Bridge of Glass just might be the most scenic pedestrian bridge in the US. Visitors will cross under a rainbow sea, witness thousands of Chihuly glassworks, and admire glass blown into towering rock candy. If nothing else, it’s one of Tacoma’s best photo ops.

The basics

Making for a phenomenal museum entrance, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is technically three exhibits: the Seaform Pavilion, the famous rainbow glass canopy visitors cross under; the Crystal Towers, another Chihuly installation that rises 40 feet (12 meters) and lights the bridge deck; and the Venetian Wall, a display of 109 Chihuly sculptures encased in an actual wall.

For folks visiting both Seattle and Tacoma, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and the Museum of Glass are great complements to Seattle’s Chihuly Garden and Glass. These three spots make up a glass-world trifecta.

Things to know before you go

  • The Chihuly Bridge of Glass is open 24/7 and always well lit.

  • From the bridge, you arrive on the Museum of Glass’s roof—ramps and elevators are available down from there.

  • If you'd like to extend your visit, a public waterfront esplanade winds across from the bridge and the museum.

How to get there

The Chihuly Bridge of Glass can be accessed from the top floor of the Museum of Glass (park in the museum’s garage or in nearby paid lots) or from Pacific Avenue, between Union Station and the Washington State History Museum. Walking and biking are also good options, and taxis and rideshares are widely available, too.

When to get there

The Chihuly Bridge of Glass is always a stunner, but it’s one of the most romantic spots in Tacoma at sunset—once night has fallen, it might be even better. The Seaform Pavilion lights up in the dark, and the rainbow canopy seems to glow. If you’re looking for great photos, come at nightfall.

Even more Chihuly

Walk a few steps beyond the Museum of Glass and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, and you’ll run into Union Station. If you have a moment, step inside—a handful of fabulous Chihuly sculptures are on the main floor. Dale Chihuly was born in Tacoma, and his works can be found in surprise spots, like Union Station, all across the Seattle–Tacoma area.

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