Downtown St. Petersburg is home to the only permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s visually stimulating glass sculptures. Located at 400 Beach Dr. NE, the museum boldly showcases several of his beloved creations with rooms that curve and flow around the artwork and lighting that helps reflect the color and sparkle of the glass. Colors burst and pop from the colored glass with the help of perfectly placed dimmed lighting, bringing the sculptures alive.

Dale Chihuly is a famous glass sculptor, he revolutionized the art form of glass blowing, creating large-scale glass creations never before done by anyone. His works have been showcased all around the world.

THE EXPERIENCE

As I entered the museum and walked down the hallway leading to the first of several works by the famous glass sculptor, I was overtaken by the mood of the place. A peaceful tranquility hangs heavy throughout the 10,000 square foot building as shadows and colors erupt from the various works on display. When I first laid eyes on the astonishing Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier I was overtaken with respect for the talent needed to create such a work of art.

Glass tubes swirl outward from his chandeliers, twisting and turning in different directions, some snake-like, others resembling a roaring fire.

 There are others that resemble lily pads and shells.

 Here are just a few of the selections that are on display – enjoy!

The building isn’t hard to find, just look for the large purple broken glass sculpture out front. It’s located across the street from North Straub Park near St. Pete’s waterfront and at the foot of the towering 400 Beach Drive Condominiums.

The interior of the museum was designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso and is constructed in a way that exemplifies the artist’s unique art form. There is a walk-way inside that is illuminated from above where several works are strewn about on top of plexiglass, colors rain down from above and are splashed onto the walls and the floor giving it an otherworldly feel.

 Tickets are $15 a person

Monday through Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sundays: 12pm-5pm

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS: Open until 8pm
December 22-28 (except Dec 24 & 25)
Early close (4pm) on December 24 and 31
CLOSED Christmas Day

Chihuly Collection docent-led tours are every hour on the half hour, Monday through Friday, with the last tour beginning at 3:30pm. Floating docents are available for guests on Saturday and Sunday.

 

Check out my article on another fantastic museum in downtown St. Pete – “The Dali Museum”

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Hi my name is JP Chartier and I write for Gutter Pup Adventures.com where you can expect to read well-written and entertaining articles about the people and places that often get overlooked at many popular vacation destinations around the world.