Long-awaited Chihuly glass exhibit opens
SEATTLE -- The long-awaited opening of the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit next to the Space Needle finally arrived Monday morning.
"It's every artist's dream to have their life's work on one location," Chihuly said.
Chihuly is a glass art pioneer -- any and almost every American glass artist creating today most likely learned their craft from Chihuly.
Each Chihuly exhibit is an explosion of blues, reds, yellows, purples, greens -- every color and design and texture.
Chihuly came up with the idea for the exhibit a decade ago, and when the owners of the Space Needle offered the space, he jumped at the chance.
"It is exciting that it's finally happening and we finally get to open our doors and see people's reaction to the artwork," said Michelle Bufano, the exhibit's executive director.
The exhibit covers around 12,000 square feet and more than 100 pieces are on display -- including some of Chihuly's personal collection and his very first works. There are also chandeliers and the famous Chihuly bowls, and in the garden outside, thousands of individual pieces of glass come together to create just one piece.
The gallery also includes a small movie theater and cafe.
The exhibit hopes to pass along all this passion onto scores of visitors -- especially school children.
"He was so inspired by everything around him, and I hope we can give that to the students as well," Bufano said.
The price of admission for ages 13-64 is $19, except those who live in King County get in for the discounted price of $15.
Chihuly Garden and Glass expects to draw 400,000 tourists and other visitors a year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
"It's every artist's dream to have their life's work on one location," Chihuly said.
Chihuly is a glass art pioneer -- any and almost every American glass artist creating today most likely learned their craft from Chihuly.
Each Chihuly exhibit is an explosion of blues, reds, yellows, purples, greens -- every color and design and texture.
Chihuly came up with the idea for the exhibit a decade ago, and when the owners of the Space Needle offered the space, he jumped at the chance.
"It is exciting that it's finally happening and we finally get to open our doors and see people's reaction to the artwork," said Michelle Bufano, the exhibit's executive director.
The exhibit covers around 12,000 square feet and more than 100 pieces are on display -- including some of Chihuly's personal collection and his very first works. There are also chandeliers and the famous Chihuly bowls, and in the garden outside, thousands of individual pieces of glass come together to create just one piece.
The gallery also includes a small movie theater and cafe.
The exhibit hopes to pass along all this passion onto scores of visitors -- especially school children.
"He was so inspired by everything around him, and I hope we can give that to the students as well," Bufano said.
The price of admission for ages 13-64 is $19, except those who live in King County get in for the discounted price of $15.
Chihuly Garden and Glass expects to draw 400,000 tourists and other visitors a year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
