SPECTACULAR GLASS ART
Chihuly Garden and Glass Art Museum
Seattle, WA
An autistic man I know loves the Netflix TV show, Blown Away, a glass-blowing competition for glass artisans from across North America. The intensity of the colors, the imaginative shapes, and seeing them emerge from the fire, all work together to make this a visually compelling production.
Visually Compelling Glass Art
Many autistic folk enjoy a deep appreciation for beautiful visual images like colorful blown glass caught in the sunlight. If this is the kind of thing that appeals to you, and if you live near or will be visiting Seattle, WA, you should definitely check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass Art Museum in Seattle. You’ll find it right beside the famed Space Needle at the Seattle Center.
This museum highlights the art of Dale Chihuly, world-renowned glass artist and co-founder of the famed Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. There are a number of daily events like live glass demos to check out when you visit, in addition to the eight galleries and impressive garden installations.
Most days they open at 9:00 AM Pacific Time. As with most museums and places of interest, there may be exhibit closures as well as different operating hours based on the day and time of year, so you should check their website online at https://www.chichulygardenandglass.com before you head over there for the day. You may be able to find out what days and times are busiest, so you can try to avoid the crowds. Many autistic adults I know really enjoy researching interesting things and places in advance so they’ll know what to expect when they get there. That’s smart. You can enjoy a new experience all the more by removing as much uncertainty as possible. At Chihuly, one thing you can definitely expect is a bold, colorful, visually satisfying experience.
Find Them Here
Their address is:
Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
- 753-4940
General admission is $35.00 for ages 13 – 64, and they offer discounts for King County Residents, seniors 65 and older, and youth ages 5-12. Children age 4 and younger are free. There is also a Morning Special discount to the ticket price for the early birds who visit before 11:00 AM.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the Glasshouse, the Garden, the Audio Tour, Bookstore, and Art Plaza + Cafe.
The Iconic Seattle Space Needle
As long as you’re in Seattle, you might want to take advantage of other nearby sights. The most famous by far is the iconic Space Needle, visible from Chihuly. While the revolving SkyCity Restaurant at the top of the needle closed in 2017 for renovations, the revolving, glass-floored Loupe Lounge cocktail experience is described as offering “showstopping mixology paired with tastes of the Pacific Northwest.” Be aware that this is a 21+ experience, so don’t bring the children. Also, check their hours online before your trip because they will be closed during the summer.
The whole family can enjoy the Space Needle viewing decks. Check out their website at www.spaceneedle.com for prices, hours, and specials if you bundle Space Needle and Chihuly Glass and Garden tickets.
More Seattle Sightseeing
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money while visiting Seattle, check out the Pike Place Market, Fremont Public Sculptures, the Frye Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park, or hike at Discovery Park. There are also a number of “pay-what-you-feel” walking tours, where you can learn about the waterfront, downtown, Pioneer Square, and hear stories of the many people who hail from this area. Of course, the beach is right there, as well as the Alki Point Lighthouse dating from 1913.
As always, check things out online to make sure you don’t find that the place you wanted to visit is closed on the day that you arrive. With a little planning, though, you can have a spectacular Seattle experience!
Autism in WA
If you live in Washington State, you may already be aware of autism services near you. The Washington Autism Alliance posted an article with tips on how to have an Autism-Friendly 4th of July that a lot of people I know would appreciate.
The University of Washington, with its beautiful blossoming trees, offers a free webinar for the self-diagnosed and wondering.
You’ll find Self-Diagnosis-Friendly Resources and Community in Washington State here.
Washington, the Evergreen State, prides itself on its coffee, and on caring for the environment, with nearly 75% of the state’s power from renewable energy sources. It is one of the sparkling jewels of the Pacific Northwest.
