Chihuly exhibition hall in the works for Seattle Center
By ADAM STEWART Staff Reporter
An architectural rendering of an exhibition hall to house Dale Chihuly’s glass art at the Seattle Center. Image by Studio 216 for Owen Richards Architects.
A proposal to build a 44,550-square foot exhibition hall of Dale Chihuly’s glass art in Seattle Center is being considered by Seattle city officials.
Chihuly co-founded Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood in 1971 and served as its first artistic director until 1989.
He is credited for establishing the blown glass form as an accepted medium for installation art.
The project, under the direction of the Howard Wright family, was approved by Seattle’s design commission in January.
The concept includes indoor and outdoor exhibition space to house Chihuly’s works, said Owen Richards, an architect with the design team.
Plans incorporate a restaurant and retail space.
The exhibition will replace portions of the outdated Fun Forest arcade pavilion. Original master plans for Seattle Center created in 2008 by the Century 21 Master Plan Committee called for open, green space after the removal of the pavilion.
Current plans utilize the pavilion structure in addition to exterior exhibit space with a glass house, in all, covering approximately two acres at the base of the Space Needle.
Although the project deviates from the master plan, Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams said the concept is a literal reflection of the plan’s principles.
“The premier glass artist in the world wants to be a part of this project,” said Nellams. “This is a good thing.”
If the project is approved by Mayor Mike McGinn and the Seattle City Council, construction could begin in September when the Fun Forest lease expires.
Unlike a museum with rotating exhibitions, the hall will be a permanent installation of Chihuly work run as a for-profit entity. Admission fees have not been set. It’s slated to open in the spring of 2011.
Staff Reporter Adam
Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115
or astewart@scnews.com.
