Chihuly Bridge of Glass, Tacoma, WA

Chihuly Bridge of Glass, Tacoma, WA – A Dazzling Gateway of Art

The Chihuly Bridge of Glass in Tacoma, WA, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see attraction for art lovers and visitors alike. This stunning pedestrian bridge connects downtown Tacoma to the Museum of Glass, spanning over Interstate 705, and serves as a vibrant display of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly’s extraordinary work.

Completed in 2002, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a permanent outdoor art installation that beautifully merges art, architecture, and the natural environment of the Pacific Northwest. The bridge stretches 500 feet long and showcases over 2,000 pieces of Chihuly’s famous blown-glass creations.

A Stunning Outdoor Glass Gallery

Walking across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is like walking through a vibrant, open-air art museum. The bridge is divided into three main installations:

The Seaform Pavilion

Located at the center of the bridge, the Seaform Pavilion is a glass ceiling filled with over 2,000 colorful glass sculptures that resemble sea life, shells, and underwater forms. When the sunlight hits this overhead display, it creates a kaleidoscope of colors on the walkway below, providing visitors with a truly mesmerizing experience.

The Crystal Towers

Standing tall at the west end of the bridge are two 40-foot-tall Crystal Towers made of blue-green crystals. These towers glow beautifully at night with LED lighting, becoming an eye-catching landmark visible from various points in the city.

Venetian Wall

Running along one side of the bridge is the Venetian Wall, a series of 109 glass sculptures encased in display panels. These intricate works showcase Chihuly’s talent for bold colors, organic shapes, and creative design, allowing visitors to admire each piece up close.

Connecting Tacoma’s Art Scene

The Chihuly Bridge of Glass isn’t just a beautiful walkway — it also serves as a symbolic connection between Tacoma’s downtown core and its thriving art community. The bridge leads directly into the Museum of Glass, one of the city’s top attractions, and is part of the larger Museum District, which includes the Washington State History Museum and the Tacoma Art Museum.

As a Tacoma native, Dale Chihuly’s work on the bridge has become a point of pride for the local community, highlighting the city’s dedication to public art and creative expression.

Free and Accessible Year-Round

One of the best things about the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is that it’s completely free to visit and open 24/7, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re exploring during the day or taking an evening stroll beneath the glow of the Crystal Towers, the bridge offers a unique and inspiring experience.

A Must-See Tacoma Landmark

The Chihuly Bridge of Glass stands as a shining example of how public art can transform a city space. It blends natural beauty, artistic brilliance, and urban design into a single unforgettable experience. For visitors to Tacoma, the bridge is a perfect place to take photos, enjoy breathtaking glass art, and appreciate the creativity that makes Tacoma special.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just passing through, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a Tacoma landmark you won’t want to miss.