A Peek into the New Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum

When I filmed my video about Seattle for Expedia, the new Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum wasn't yet opened, and everyone (including the kids and I) was peeking through gaps in the landscaping and trying to get a view inside. So it seemed only fitting to go back and visit the museum for this post, which was also commissioned by Expedia as part of their Kids in the City campaign. (Check it out - the website has advice from 12 top family travel bloggers about what to do in each of their home cities)

Unpacking the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle Center
Unpacking the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle Center

I'll admit, I got a few worried looks from other visitors as I entered Seattle's new Chihuly Glass Museum with three-year-old Eilan. This museum is not something I would have attempted with all three kids in tow, but with just one it's easier to adjust our pace or leave on a moment's notice.

Eilan wasn't worried for a minute though. He had been peeking in through the landscaping too, and absolutely could not wait to see all the beautiful colors.

A handy "kids guide" gives kids something to do besides touching the art
A handy "kids guide" gives kids something to do besides touching the art

Even though he was way to young for the activities, Eilan just loved this full-color kids guide to the museum. It was fun for him to match what he saw with the photos in the booklet, and it gave him something to refer back to on the car ride home.

But what about the glass?

Eye popping colors and delicate designs at the Chihuly Museum in Seattle Center
Eye popping colors and delicate designs at the Chihuly Museum in Seattle Center

Feeding on my energy, Eilan was cautious at first

I've got my guide and I'm ready to go!
I've got my guide and I'm ready to go!

But the colors and lights were just magical for him, and he really took the time to absorb every detail. Each room was like a magical world for him to immerse himself in. Even at Disneyland, the most immersive place I can think of, he'd never seen anything quite like this.

Mille Fiori at Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Center
Mille Fiori at Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Center

or this

Float Boat Exhibit at the Chihuly Glass and Garden
Float Boat Exhibit at the Chihuly Glass and Garden

By the time we'd seen the entire exhibit, Eilan was mentally tapped out. It's a lot of stimulation for a little guy!

Chandelier at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle
Chandelier at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle

And what I'd expected would be a cautious but spirited run through the Conservatory and Garden, ended up being a quiet stroller ride instead.

Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass - Wouldn't you love to be married here?
Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass - Wouldn't you love to be married here?
Hello old friend! A view of the Space Needle through the Chihuly Glasshouse
Hello old friend! A view of the Space Needle through the Chihuly Glasshouse

I'll have to come back with the big kids (preferably one at a time) because I'm pretty sure this is the fairy garden Darya has been looking for

Chihuly Garden in Seattle Center
Chihuly Garden in Seattle Center
Related Links
Expedia: Things to do in Seattle with kids
Video: Seattle with Kids
City Guide: Seattle with Kids

Thank you to Expedia's for sponsoring the Kids in the City campaign, which includes this post. It has been really fun to read recommendations from twelve family travel bloggers around the country about what they'd do in their hometowns. Here are links to posts about Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver, New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Diego, Minneapolis and Portland.

I paid for my own admission to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum and nobody there knew I was a blogger. Whenever I accept a sponsored product or service, I will always let you know.

Filed Under: travel-stories

6 comments | Posted on June 8, 2012 | Save to del.icio.us

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Comments

  1. walkingon travels on June 8, 2012 at 1:18 p.m.

    Wow! That looks incredible. It is definitely going on my list to check out in the coming weeks.

  2. Nicole at Arrows Sent Forth on June 8, 2012 at 6:17 p.m.

    I love Chihuly and would really enjoy checking this place out. If you ever make it to Indianapolis, be sure to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The kids really do get to touch the glass (albeit a faux version!) and tap their "inner" Chihuly. http://www.arrowssentforth.com/2011/0...

  3. Tonya @ The Traveling Praters on June 8, 2012 at 7:07 p.m.

    I've planned to see several Chihuly exhibits with my family in the past and somehow things never worked out. I homeschool my kids so we even spent a great deal of time learning about Chihuly in preparation so not making it to the exhibit was really a disappointment. His art is truly beautiful. Maybe one day we'll have the pleasure of actually make it to an exhibit.

  4. My Traveling Troop on June 8, 2012 at 11:13 p.m.

    What beautiful & grand glass work! Wish I lived nearby so that I van check it out.

    I went to a wedding reception at the Atlanta botanical garden & similar -- albeit smaller -- displays of glass were being featured. I think I spent most of the evening staring at the beautiful craftsmanship than dancing. And that's saying something because I love to cut a rug. :)

    Cheers,
    Kristina

  5. SCOTT CARNEY on June 11, 2012 at 1:52 p.m.

    That was a great post. I liked all the beautiful colors I saw in the pictures. This place looks magical and would be a awesome place to get married.

  6. George Barley on June 13, 2012 at 6:24 p.m.

    Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is awesome, the colors vibrantly speaks for itself. I would love to visit this place soon. The fabrics displayed are splendid too!