When you visit the northwest area of the United States, there are many, many tourist areas and sites that can attract your attention.  One of the lesser visited, but most interesting is the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington.

The structure is unique and can be seen on the horizon for quite a distance.  Actually, it is a large cone, appearing as if it is rising up out of the ground at a slight angle.  If you have never been there before, you might ask yourself, "What is that thing?"  

One of the special slogans used by the museum is, "It doesn't get hotter than this."    Another slogan is, "Hot glass.  Cool art."  Once inside, there is so much to see and experience, including the "hot" room where glassblowers are hard at work while visitors sit and observe in stadium-style seating.

School tours are offered.  Group tours are offered.  The museum even offers a Mobile Hot Shop, where glass, art, and science can all be experienced.  The traveling exhibition features artists working in molten glass using ancient techniques.  Even hands-on opportunities are available.

What I enjoyed the most, however, was the exhibition items and the scenery apparently always changes.  There were small glass art items.  There was huge glass art items.  There were those you had to walk around, under, and even over.  There were art pieces that could not be touched and those that could be touched.  It is a wonderful place for children as well as old-timers to visit. 

The Museum of Glass is located right down on the riverfront at 1801 Dock Street.  Visit their website at www.museumofglass.org or call 253-284-4750