FAQ
Where is the Chihuly Museum of Glass?
Dale Chihuly’s work is on view in many locations throughout Tacoma’s Museum District. Tacoma Art Museum features the premier collection of glass artist Dale Chihuly’s work on permanent public display. Chihuly glass is also on view at Union Station, the City of Tacoma’s Bridge of Glass, the Swiss Restaurant & Pub, and the library at the University of Washington Tacoma, all of which are within walking distance from Tacoma Art Museum.
The nearby Museum of Glass features glass from locally and internationally recognized artists. Though Chihuly’s work has been on view at the Museum of Glass, the Museum of Glass does not have a permanent exhibition of his work.
Can I get one admission ticket to Tacoma’s Museum District?
Yes. The museums of Tacoma’s Museum District— Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay-America’s Car Museum, Foss Waterway Seaport, and Children’s Museum of Tacoma (Children’s Museum has Pay As You Will admission) are separate institutions that partner together to offer the Tacoma Museum Pass. More info here.
Why are the lights sometimes low in the galleries?
Every exhibition at Tacoma Art Museum is different and has different lighting requirements. Depending on the medium used by the artist and the age of the artwork, lighting can be detrimental to the artwork.
Have you ever left a newspaper in the sun for a few days? Eventually, the text starts to bleach from the exposure. The same thing can happen with art. For example, works on paper (including photography) from the 1800s are more fragile and susceptible to fading than those created this year, so the older works are displayed under softer light. Oil paintings on canvas have a higher tolerance for light than works on paper and can be shown in brighter rooms.
Adhering to light-level requirements for all of our exhibitions and installations helps us protect and preserve the art for future generations.
What happened to the Sara Little Center when Tacoma Art Museum moved?
The Sara Little Center was located at Tacoma Art Museum’s former location at 1123 Pacific Avenue. Although never fully accessioned into the museum’s permanent collection, the Sara Little Center has been formally deaccessioned in its entirety. It is no longer at Tacoma Art Museum.
The Center recreated Sara Little Turnbull’s New York apartment and its contents, including various materials collected during her world travels. These materials were intended to teach basic industrial design principles. With the elimination of the design program at the University of Washington’s School of Education, the unfulfilled promise of major financial support for the care and maintenance of the collection, and the decline in public interest in the collection, the museum and Turnbull came to a mutually amicable separation. Following the highest ethical standards for collections and work in public institutions, the museum returned the collection to Turnbull.
Learn more about Sara Little Turnbull.
Is photography allowed?
Yes. Unless otherwise posted, photography is permitted as long as you do not use a flash. The use of “selfie sticks” or any other form of photography attachment (including tripods) is prohibited.
What are Tacoma Art Museum’s guidelines regarding what can be brought into the galleries?
All museum guidelines regarding what is acceptable to bring into the galleries, technology usage, and more are covered in greater detail on our Museum Guidelines page.