Tacoma Museum District
A vibrant hub of glass art, history, and automotive marvels, offering stunning sculptures and engaging exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free museum entry & artwalk
Tacoma Museum District
Best Time
Free museum entry & artwalk
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub of glass art, history, and automotive marvels, offering stunning sculptures and engaging exhibits.
"The Museum of Glass and Chihuly Bridge of Glass are truly mesmerizing, exceeding all expectations!"
🎟️ Book Museum Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibits .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between museums and across the Chihuly Bridge .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Museum of Glass
1801 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Mesmerizing glassblowing demonstrations and diverse contemporary glass art exhibits.
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
Adjacent to Museum of Glass
An iconic pedestrian bridge featuring vibrant, large-scale Chihuly glass sculptures.
Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Explore Washington's rich past with engaging exhibits, including family-friendly attractions.
Lemay - America's Car Museum
2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
A must-visit for car enthusiasts, showcasing a vast collection of vehicles, including JDM cars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art & Views
Getting Around Tacoma
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Museum Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between museums and across the Chihuly Bridge.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Street parking is available, but can be competitive. Consider public transport or ride-sharing.
💡 Check for Special Events
Look out for art walks, residencies, and temporary exhibits for unique experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Museum Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between museums and across the Chihuly Bridge.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Street parking is available, but can be competitive. Consider public transport or ride-sharing.
💡 Check for Special Events
Look out for art walks, residencies, and temporary exhibits for unique experiences.
☕ Cafe Food Can Be Pricey
While convenient, some visitors find cafe food to be a bit expensive [^Review].
🧒 Kid-Friendly Fun
The Washington State History Museum has exhibits like TOYTOPIA that kids will love.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of Glass for its mesmerizing hot shop demonstrations and the stunning beauty of the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. The diverse glass art exhibits and the unique architecture of the museum are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the art is universally admired, some find the on-site cafe food to be a bit pricey.
"We were concerned that the museum would be as nice because of the art fest but even with loads of people there it didn't feel crowded.
We enjoyed the glass blowing exhibition. Loved walking the bridge and enjoying the Chihuly pieces enclosed across the highway.
The galleries were filled with amazing sculptures and vases. Just beautiful!"
Donna Priest
"I just visited the Museum of Glass, and wow, it completely exceeded my expectations! Everyone always talks about the Hot Shop, and now I totally get it. Watching those glassblowers work was absolutely mesmerizing – seeing them transform molten glass with such precision and artistry was truly incredible. I could have spent hours just captivated by that.
Beyond the demonstrations, the entire museum is a feast for the eyes. The current exhibitions were fantastic, showcasing such a diverse range of contemporary glass art from various artists. I particularly loved how the light played off the pieces, creating these ever-changing reflections. And the building itself, with its unique cone structure and the beautiful Chihuly Bridge of Glass, is an artwork in its own right. It’s such a well-designed space that really complements the art. Plus, I found the interactive elements and educational displays surprisingly engaging. It’s definitely a place I’d recommend to anyone, whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something fascinating and visually stunning to do."
Steven Rodriguez
"This museum was so interesting. We especially liked the "hot shop" where you can see hot glass being formed and blown. The live speaker described everything as it was happening. The galleries and gift shop had beautiful pieces of glass. It was so amazing to see what could be made using different techniques."
Barbara Evans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tacoma Museum District is accessible by car, with street parking available. Amtrak trains also arrive in Tacoma, and from there, you can use public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach the museums. It's located near the Thea Foss Waterway.
Public transportation is available in Tacoma, but renting a car might be more convenient for exploring beyond the immediate museum district and waterfront areas. Buses and light rail connect various parts of the city.
Street parking is available in the vicinity of the Tacoma Museum District. However, it can get busy, especially during events or peak hours. Consider arriving early or exploring ride-sharing options.
Yes, many of the museums in the district are within walking distance of each other, especially the Museum of Glass and the Washington State History Museum. The Chihuly Bridge of Glass also connects areas and offers great views.
Most museums are generally stroller-friendly, but it's always a good idea to check with individual institutions for specific policies or any areas with limited accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary by museum. The Washington State History Museum offers free entry during the Third Thursday Artwalk.
Yes, the Third Thursday Artwalk provides free entry to the Washington State History Museum from 3 PM to 8 PM.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for the Museum of Glass, to avoid long queues and ensure entry, particularly during busy periods or special events.
Operating hours vary by museum and day of the week. It's best to check the official websites of the Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum, and Lemay - America's Car Museum for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Currently, there isn't a widely advertised combined ticket for all museums in the district. It's advisable to purchase tickets individually for each museum you plan to visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Museum of Glass, with its Hot Shop demonstrations and diverse exhibits, is a major draw. Don't miss the Chihuly Bridge of Glass for its stunning sculptures and views. The Washington State History Museum offers engaging exhibits on local history.
The Hot Shop is a live demonstration area at the Museum of Glass where you can witness skilled artisans transform molten glass into intricate art pieces. It's a mesmerizing experience [^Review].
Yes, the Washington State History Museum features exhibits like TOYTOPIA, which are great for children. The Museum of Glass also has educational displays that can engage younger visitors.
The district is renowned for its glass art, particularly at the Museum of Glass and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. The Washington State History Museum focuses on historical artifacts and exhibits.
The Chihuly Bridge of Glass offers an outdoor art experience. The nearby Thea Foss Waterway also provides scenic waterfront views and walking paths.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options within and near the museums. Indochine Tacoma offers Thai food and is located in the district.
The Museum of Glass has a cafe, though some reviews suggest the food can be a bit pricey. They also sometimes have food carts or beer gardens during special events [^Review].
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to consume them in designated outdoor areas or before entering.
Yes, the downtown Tacoma area and the waterfront offer various family-friendly dining options. Consider exploring the Thea Foss Waterway for diverse choices.
You can find a range of cuisines, including Thai food at Indochine Tacoma,
📸 📸 Photography
The Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a prime location for stunning glass art photography. The Museum of Glass itself, with its unique cone structure and interior exhibits, offers many photogenic moments.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museums for personal use, but tripods, flash photography, and professional shoots may be restricted. Always check the specific museum's photography policy.
You can take photos on the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, but be mindful of other visitors. Avoid blocking pathways and respect the art.
Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful lighting, especially for the glass sculptures. Weekday mornings will have fewer crowds, making it easier to compose shots.
The 'Hot Shop' at the Museum of Glass provides a dynamic and visually striking opportunity to photograph the glassblowing process [^Review]. The rooftop views from places like Wren's Nest cafe can also be picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider planning your visit around the Third Thursday Artwalk for free entry to the History Museum.
For a break from the museums, explore the nearby Thea Foss Waterway for a pleasant walk. If you're looking for more active entertainment, places like Spaceland offer kid-friendly fun,🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Couples
+1 The museum's rotating exhibitions ensure there's always something new to discover, and the live Hot Shop demonstrations are a highlight for many [^Review].For a romantic outing, consider a date night at Indochine Tacoma, located within the Museum District, offering a fiery culinary experience.
The Third Thursday Artwalk is also a perfect opportunity for couples to enjoy free museum access and soak in the local art scene. The waterfront views along the Thea Foss Waterway provide a lovely setting for a relaxed evening stroll.🚗 Car Buffs & Day-Trippers
For those arriving by train or looking for a compact exploration, the core Museum of Glass and Chihuly Bridge of Glass can be experienced in a few hours. Public transport or ride-sharing can connect you to these main attractions from the Amtrak station.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Glass Art
One of the most compelling aspects of the Museum of Glass is its Hot Shop. Here, you can witness live demonstrations where skilled glassblowers transform molten glass into breathtaking works of art. The intensity of the heat, the precision of the movements, and the vibrant colors create a truly mesmerizing spectacle that many visitors describe as unforgettable [^Review]. Beyond the Hot Shop, the museum's galleries showcase a wide array of contemporary glass art from artists around the globe, offering a comprehensive look at the medium's evolution and potential.
Complementing the Museum of Glass is the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. This stunning pedestrian bridge, designed by Dale Chihuly, is an artwork in itself. It features several of his iconic installations, including the 'Seaform Pavilion' and the 'Venetian Glass Tower,' which are illuminated and create a magical atmosphere, especially as dusk settles. Walking across the bridge offers not only a unique artistic experience but also panoramic views of the Thea Foss Waterway and the surrounding cityscape.
+1Exploring Tacoma's History and Culture
Recent renovations have enhanced the museum's offerings, making it an even more engaging experience. Visitors can explore interactive displays, historical artifacts, and compelling narratives that bring the past to life. The museum also hosts special events and temporary exhibits, so it's worth checking their schedule before your visit. For those interested in specific attractions, the museum has featured exhibits like TOYTOPIA, which are particularly popular with younger visitors.
For automotive enthusiasts, Lemay - America's Car Museum is an absolute must-visit. This expansive museum houses an impressive collection of vehicles, celebrating automotive history and innovation. It's known for its diverse range of cars, from classic American muscle to unique international models. They often feature special exhibits, such as a recent showcase of JDM cars, which drew significant attention from car lovers.
Beyond the Museums: Tacoma's Charm
This area connects downtown Tacoma with other points of interest, offering a pleasant urban experience.For those seeking unique local experiences, Tacoma has a burgeoning cafe and food scene. Cafes like Wren's Nest offer not only coffee and pastries but also rooftop views of the Puget Sound.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit