This guide to Chihuly Garden and Glass gives you verified details: opening hours, ticket prices, tips for cheaper booking, how to get there, parking, accessibility, and best times to visit.
History and overview of Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass opened in 2012 near the base of the Space Needle in Seattle Center. It is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the glass artwork of Dale Chihuly. The attraction comprises eight indoor galleries displaying decades of his artwork, a striking Glasshouse with a long, colorful suspended sculpture, a lush garden where glass and plantings interplay, and other installations such as drawing walls, a theater, and live glass-blowing demonstrations.
The design intent is immersive: artworks are displayed with natural light, landscaping and architectural space in mind. Visitors move at their own pace between Galleries, the Glasshouse, Garden and Plaza. The Bar at Chihuly offers food and drinks, and there is a bookstore on site. Gallery talks and free audio tour (via smartphone) are included with the admission.
Because of its location and scale, Chihuly Garden and Glass combines art, nature, and architecture into a relatively gentle but visually intense experience. It’s not a large museum in footprint, so many visitors can see it comfortably in about 1 to 2 hours. It works well as a half-day activity, especially when paired with nearby Seattle Center landmarks like the Space Needle or MoPOP.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Opening hours: Hours are a little inconsistent vary depending on day of week and time of year. On Fridays and Saturdays, it opens at 9:00 AM, but the rest of the week it’s 10 AM. Closing time varies, too – between 5 PM and 6.30PM. Check the official site before setting off.
Ticket pricing (official site):
| Category | Price range (USD) |
|---|---|
| General Admission (Adult) | $35-$42.50 |
| Senior | $30-$37.50 |
| Youth (5-12) | $26-$29.50 |
| Children (under 4) | Free |
Note that these are the prices cited on the Chihuly Garden and Glass website. The cheaper $35 tickets were only available on the same day when I checked, and only for late afternoon visits.
Cheaper booking via GetYourGuide vs Official Site
I found that the same general admission ticket for next day entry costs $39.75 on GetYourGuide vs $45.05 on the official Chihuly site after taxes and fees. That’s a real saving of almost $6. Booking through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide can often be cheaper once all surcharges are included. Always compare total costs (including taxes or official “admission tax”) rather than just base price.
Now, I have a vested interest in you booking through GetYourGuide. Book through the link provided on this page, and I will earn a small commission. However, it’s genuinely cheaper for you to do that than book of the official site, so we both win.
How to get there and parking
- Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
- By public transit / monorail: Take the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Station; the terminal is close to the exhibition entrance. Bus service and other transit options also serve the Seattle Center area.
- By car / parking: There are several parking garages nearby. The Fifth Avenue N. Garage at Fifth Ave N & Republican Street is one of the closest. Mercer Garage (Third Ave N & Roy Street) is another. Valet parking is available through the Space Needle valet services next door.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
- Wheelchair access: Chihuly Garden and Glass is wheelchair accessible. The paths, galleries, garden and Glasshouse are designed for universal access.
- Restrooms and amenities: There are restrooms, coat/bag check, bookstore and café-style food (The Bar) on site.
- Audio tour: Included with admission. Delivered via smartphone.
- Photography: Non-flash photography is generally allowed; large tripods may be restricted.
Best times to visit and how long to allow
Best times of day: Morning after opening tends to be less crowded; late afternoons also quieter (and sometimes cheaper). Avoid peak midday and early evenings when group tours often arrive. Weather doesn’t affect indoor galleries, but garden and glasshouse will be more enjoyable on pleasant days.
Best days: Weekdays generally offer more calm than weekends. If visiting in summer, try early or late hours to avoid both crowds and high midday sun in the garden.
How long to allow: Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to explore all galleries, the garden, the Glasshouse, watch live glass-blowing demo, and enjoy the outdoor plaza. More time needed if dining or taking photos at leisure.
Suggested itinerary and nearby attractions to combine
- Start as soon as the galleries open, enjoy the indoor galleries first while external light is softer.
- Visit the Glasshouse next, then stroll the Garden and outdoor installations while light permits.
- Have lunch or snack at The Bar or in the plaza, then explore any remaining galleries or shop at the bookstore.
- Pair the visit with nearby Seattle Center attractions such as the Space Needle or MoPOP Museum. Evening views or sunset from the Center can be a nice finish.
FAQ: practical visitor questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to reserve tickets in advance? | Yes. Time-specific tickets are required; it’s best to book in advance, especially for weekends or busy evenings. |
| Are there discounts for children or seniors? | Yes. Children under 4 are free; youth (5-12), seniors have reduced rates. |
| Is the venue wheelchair accessible? | Yes. Most areas (galleries, glasshouse, garden, restrooms) are accessible for wheelchairs. |
| What are parking options and costs? | Nearby garages include Fifth Avenue N. Garage, Mercer Garage, Space Needle valet; parking cost depends on location and demand. Metered street parking is also available. |
| Approximately how long will most visits take? | About 1 to 2 hours for most visitors; allow extra if staying for dinner, attending events, or taking photographs leisurely. |
| When is it least crowded? | Weekday mornings after opening or late afternoons are generally least busy. Weekends and early evenings are busiest. |
