One of Seattle Center’s most colorful attractions gives visitors a chance to see glass art indoors, outside in a garden, and being made right in front of them.

Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the work of Washington-born artist Dale Chihuly through eight galleries, a 40-foot-tall Glasshouse, and an outdoor garden filled with glass sculptures and plants.

Located next to the Space Needle, the attraction can take about one to two hours to explore.

Here’s what to know before visiting Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle.

What can you see at Chihuly Garden and Glass?

The exhibition covers more than 40 years of Chihuly’s work with glass, color, form, and light.

Eight indoor galleries take visitors through different parts of his work, with installations ranging from large chandeliers to colorful glass forms that cover an entire ceiling.

The galleries include the Sealife Room, Persian Ceiling, Mille Fiori, Ikebana and Float Boats, Chandeliers, and Macchia Forest.

There are also drawings and displays that look at the influences behind Chihuly’s work.

An audio tour is included with admission for those who want more information while moving through the exhibition.

What is inside the Glasshouse?

The Glasshouse is one of the centerpieces of the attraction.

The 40-foot-tall glass and steel building covers 4,500 square feet and was inspired by Chihuly’s interest in conservatories.

Suspended overhead is a 100-foot-long sculpture made from hundreds of individual pieces of red, orange, and yellow glass.

The Space Needle rises behind the building, creating one of the more recognizable views at Seattle Center.

What can visitors see in the Garden?

The experience continues outside, where Chihuly’s glass sculptures are placed among trees, flowers, shrubs, and other plants.

The Garden was designed specifically to complement the artwork rather than serve simply as a backdrop.

Plants change with the seasons, which means the colors surrounding the glass also change throughout the year.

Some sculptures rise above the plants, while others are placed among flowers and greenery where the glass becomes part of the landscape.

Can you watch glassblowing at Chihuly Garden and Glass?

Yes.

Live glass demonstrations take place daily at the Community Hot Shop.

Local glass artists work with molten glass while explaining parts of the glassblowing process, giving visitors a chance to see how a piece takes shape.

Demonstrations begin at 11 a.m. and are included with admission.

Are there tours at Chihuly Garden and Glass?

Short gallery talks are offered throughout the day and are also included with admission.

The 10-minute talks focus on different parts of the exhibition, including the Garden, Chandeliers, Mille Fiori, Sealife Room, and Chihuly’s artistic influences.

Visitors do not need to take a tour to explore the exhibition.

Chihuly Garden and Glass is self-paced, so people can move through the galleries, Glasshouse, and Garden on their own schedule.

How long does it take to see Chihuly Garden and Glass?

Most visitors should plan for about one to two hours.

Those who stop for gallery talks, watch a glassblowing demonstration, or use the audio tour may want to allow additional time.

The attraction is considerably smaller than some of the other museums at Seattle Center, making it easier to combine with another stop on the same day.

Is Chihuly Garden and Glass worth visiting at night?

The experience changes once the sun goes down.

Lighting throughout the Garden illuminates the glass sculptures, bringing out colors and reflections that can look different than they do during the day.

The attraction also holds seasonal evening programs.

Chihuly Nights, for example, adds live music and glassblowing demonstrations on select evenings during the summer.

Evening programs change throughout the year, so visitors should check the current schedule before going.

How much does it cost to visit Chihuly Garden and Glass?

General admission typically costs between $40 and $45 for adults.

Senior and youth tickets generally range from $35 to $40, while children younger than 4 can enter for free.

Combination tickets are also available for people planning to visit the Space Needle during the same trip.

Prices and ticket options can change, so visitors should check admission for their planned date before going.

What are Chihuly Garden and Glass hours?

Chihuly Garden and Glass is open year-round, but hours vary by day and season.

The attraction generally opens between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with closing times changing throughout the week.

The Glasshouse is also occasionally reserved for private events, which can affect access to parts of the exhibition.

Visitors should check the daily schedule before heading to Seattle Center.

Where is Chihuly Garden and Glass?

Chihuly Garden and Glass is located at 305 Harrison St. at Seattle Center.

It sits directly next to the Space Needle and is within walking distance of MoPOP, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Children’s Museum, and the International Fountain.

Travelers coming from downtown Seattle can take the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Center.

For those driving, Seattle Center has several nearby parking garages, with the Fifth Avenue North Garage about a five-minute walk from the exhibition.