After our Alaskan cruise, we had half a day in Seattle before flying back to the UK. This was free time, and we had the option of being dropped off by our coach near the market, at the Space Needle Park, or the Air Museum. I was the only one opting for the Space Needle Park, so I had a solo experience. I wanted to go to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition, which opened in the park in 2012.
Dale Chilhuly is an American, born in 1941, who is renowned for his large scale blown – glass sculptures. I had seen some in London, and was excited to be able to see a whole gallery of his work.
The work was displayed in 8 rooms, each with a different theme. The most impressive was a large space with a rectangular glass garden in the centre, made up of organic plant inspired shapes with incredible colours. The next room was dark, but had an illuminated life sized rowing boat surrounded by sea and float inspired shapes. Other rooms included a Persian inspired ceiling, a sealife theme, and a forest of cup shaped .forms. The glasshouse was a 40 foot tall glass and steel structure, with suspended sculptures.
It is difficult to explain the sheer size and power of the sculptures, which flow on walls, floors and ceilings. Truly spectacular!
The work continued into a garden, where glass and plants complemented each other in form and colour, against a rich backdrop of trees.
A café and bookstore completed the experience.
To quote Chihuly “I want people to be overwhelmed with light and colour in a way they have never experienced”
A must for any visit to Seattle – it was the highlight of my holiday!
