The 5 Greatest Glass Museums in the U.S.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to spend $81.4 million at an art auction for a famous painting by Claude Monet. Thankfully, that’s why we have museums. For those who want to see incredible glass artwork for a fraction of the price, here are the five best museums in the United States for glass sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.

1. The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
   This not-for-profit museum boasts more than 40,000 objects from Ancient Egypt right up to the modern day. It also features glass studios on the premises, where you can watch glassblowers at work or try your own hand at making glass art with an introductory course.
2. The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA
   This comprehensive museum features an array of original Tiffany Glass pieces as well as contemporary works from influential glass artists such as Karen LaMonte, best known for her life-size dress sculptures of cast glass, bronze, and ceramic as well as her large scale monotype prints.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle, WA
   Dale Chihuly is one of the most famous working glass artists today, and his characteristic bright and whimsical sculptures are on full display in this “garden” of glass plants. The adjacent Glass House also features one of his largest ceiling installations anywhere in the world.
4. Museum of Glass, Tacoma, WA
   The Pacific Northwest has long been a cultural center in the contemporary glass art world, and this museum in Washington state showcases important works that helped shape the Studio Glass Movement. The permanent collection includes pieces from figures such as Harvey Littleton, Martin Blank, Lino Tagliapietra, and more.
5. Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, OH
   Toledo is known as the birthplace of the contemporary glass art scene, and it pays homage to that history in the 74,000-square foot Glass Pavilion, an architectural work of art in its own right. Innovation takes place alongside history in the space’s studios and workshops.

You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune at an art auction to take home the beauty of glass art. The many excellent museums right here in the United States make glass art accessible for anyone to appreciate and adore.