Tucked away in the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington, the Museum of Glass (MOG) stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation, dedicated to the captivating medium of glass. Since its opening in 2002, this contemporary art museum has been a hub for art lovers, artists, and curious minds alike, offering a unique glimpse into the fascinating world of glass art.
The inception of the Museum of Glass dates back to 1992, when Dr. Philip M. Phibbs, the recently retired president of the University of Puget Sound, envisioned a museum that would celebrate the Pacific Northwest's significant contributions to the studio glass movement. His conversation with renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly sparked the idea, and the plan was soon presented to the Executive Council for a Greater Tacoma. The proposal coincided with the redevelopment of the Thea Foss Waterway, an industrial site that was ripe for transformation. The council's chairman, George Russel, saw the potential of the museum as the perfect anchor for the renewed waterway, and by 1995, the site for the museum was secured.
In 1996, the Museum of Glass was established as a nonprofit organization, and by 1997, Canadian architect Arthur Erickson was selected to design the museum's building. Construction began in June 2000, and by 2001, the iconic hot-shop cone's steel frame was completed. The museum officially opened its doors on July 6, 2002, to a throng of visitors and widespread acclaim. Since then, the Museum of Glass has continued to grow, becoming a collecting institution and introducing a mobile hot-shop to bring the art of glassmaking to a broader audience.
The Museum of Glass is a testament to architectural brilliance. Designed by Arthur Erickson, the museum spans an impressive 75,000 square feet, with 13,000 square feet dedicated to gallery space and a 7,000-square-foot hot shop. The hot shop, shaped like an angled cone, is the museum's most striking feature. Inspired by the wood beehive burners of the sawmills that once dotted the waterway, the cone is composed of 2,800 diamond-shaped stainless steel panels and measures 100 feet in diameter at its base.
The museum's architecture also includes a sweeping concrete stairway that spirals around the exterior of the building and three rimless reflecting pools on the museum's terraces. The Chihuly Bridge of Glass, designed by Erickson in collaboration with Dale Chihuly, connects the museum to downtown Tacoma, creating a seamless blend of art and urban landscape.
The Museum of Glass boasts a diverse range of exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, that showcase the versatility and beauty of glass art. The 20th and 21st Century Glass Collection offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of glass art over the past century. The Kids Design Glass Collection is a delightful display of whimsical creations designed by children and brought to life by skilled glass artists. The Visiting Artist Residency Program Collection features works created by artists who have participated in the museum's residency program, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the glass art community. One of the standout pieces in the permanent collection is Cappy Thompson: Gathering the Light, a stunning example of contemporary glass art.
Current exhibitions include Kids Design Glass, an ongoing display that continues to enchant visitors with its playful and imaginative creations. Illuminate: Glass Art For Early Learners runs until March 2024, offering an engaging and educational experience for young visitors. Out Of The Vault: Family Meal and She Bends: Redefining Neon Legacy are other notable exhibitions that showcase the diversity and innovation within the world of glass art.
One of the most exciting features of the Museum of Glass is its 7,000-square-foot hot shop amphitheater, which seats 145 guests. Here, visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, witnessing the mesmerizing process of transforming molten glass into intricate works of art. The hot shop contains both a hot glass studio for blowing and casting glass and a cold working studio for finishing touches.
The Museum of Glass also offers residencies for both visiting and featured artists through its Visiting Artist Residency Program. These residencies, which range from one day to several weeks, allow artists to create new works while engaging with the public. A piece from each residency is selected for inclusion in the museum's collection, adding to the ever-growing archive of glass art. Many of these residencies are streamed online, allowing a global audience to participate in the creative process.
The Museum of Glass is more than just a museum; it's a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of art. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a family looking for an engaging outing, the Museum of Glass offers something for everyone. From its awe-inspiring architecture to its diverse exhibitions and live demonstrations, the museum provides a unique and immersive experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of glassmaking.
So, the next time you find yourself in Tacoma, make sure to carve out some time to visit the Museum of Glass. It's a journey through a world of beauty, creativity, and endless possibilities.
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