Chihuly Bridge of Glass

A collaboration with renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly gave rise to the Bridge of Glass. Through the synthesis of art and architecture, we sought to create an enduring and experiential public landmark for the city of Tacoma. Our design concept accommodates the display of three different Chihuly installations within a grid framework organized along the length of this five hundred foot long pedestrian bridge. When crossing the bridge, visitors encounter the luminous ceiling of the Seaform Pavilion, the bright blue Crystal Towers, and the cabinet-like grid display of the Venetian Wall. The bridge creates an intimate scene inviting visitors to explore the glass in its purest form. The wall and roof structures house the displays for the artwork, shelter distractions from the railway and highway traffic below, and filter natural light. The bridge links Tacoma's four major cultural institutions: The Washington State History Museum, Union Station, The Tacoma Art Museum, and the neighboring Museum of Glass.