TACOMA TREKKERExplore Tacoma

Glass art

Tacoma Glass Trek

Tacoma's glass story, from studio to bridge to gallery.

Confirm hours and bookings directly with each stop before you go.

At a glance

Length
Half day
Typical cost
Admission plus food
Getting around
walking
Family
Kids usually stay engaged in the hot shop.
Accessibility
Paved, level routes between stops; the museum is fully accessible.

The route

  1. 1

    Chihuly Bridge of Glass

    Start

    Morning

    Begin on the bridge itself: the Seaform Pavilion, Crystal Towers and Venetian Wall.

    Next: Cross to the museum at the south end.

    Directions
  2. 2

    Museum of Glass

    Museum

    Late morning

    The hot shop is the reason to come — glassmakers work in front of the audience.

    Next: Back over the bridge and two blocks north.

    Directions
  3. 3

    Tacoma Art Museum

    Museum

    Early afternoon

    A large permanent collection of studio glass alongside Northwest art.

    Next: Short walk south on Pacific Avenue.

    Directions
  4. 4

    Union Station

    Stop

    Afternoon

    Glass hangs in the rotunda of the old station — free to look during public hours.

    Next: Ten-minute walk north into the theatre district.

    Directions
  5. 5

    Alma Mater

    Coffee

    Late afternoon

    Finish with coffee in an arts space rather than another gallery.

    Directions

Notes

Glass is the thing Tacoma is best known for, and it is all within one walk. Time your visit around the hot shop, where glassmakers work in front of an audience — that is the part most people remember. The outdoor glass installations are free and open whenever you are. Hot shop schedules change daily; check the day's programme before you arrive.

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