Tacoma, Washington: Dale Chihuly Bridge of Glass

I first saw the Bridge of Glass in a car passing underneath it, and very much wanted to see it from the top.

The bridge connects the Museum of Glass to the Washington State History Museum, crossing I-705.

I first stepped on the bridge when we visited the Museum of Glass, and it left me with three things undone.

First, there was what I could see. This included the intriguingly shaped LeMay Museum on one side, and a gorgeous arched, brick complex on the other side.

The original train station was there until 1983, then moved by Amtrak. The station was converted into a courthouse, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Washington State History Museum next to it was built in the same Beaux Arts style. Without knowing that about them, I was drawn to those buildings.

More embarrassing is what I did not see. Obviously we went up from the Glass Museum side. Looking at the other end, I saw something that looked nondescript, but the end we were on was so interesting, surely there was more there!

 I looked at those walls, but I didn't look up.

Then, when we were in the car driving away, someone who had looked up mentioned it. I was so embarrassed, I did not even fully admit to it in that review, but the bridge and I had unfinished business.

There are completely different approaches on the two ends. On the Glass Museum side (West), is the Venetian Wall. While there are 109 different vases, each one has its own framing shelf.

This may make it easier to pick out little intricacies, like accents of dolphins or putti.

On the Washington State Museum side (East), is the Seaform Pavilion. Blown bowls and tubes and florets are placed together and lit from above. It seems haphazard (though perhaps is not).

It is harder to focus on a single object among the 2364, though you can still make an effort to do so. The overall effect it gives is profusion.

Rich abundance.

I love both approaches.

I also get different things from them.

I had not thought about the interplay of the light, and whether it was coming from above or behind, until I saw the Sea Foam side.

I had recently read something about the bridge being romantic at sunset. There is already so much variety, but the light adds whole other layers as the time of day and type of day changes.

I admit I am not as into the Crystal Towers. 

I have nothing against them, and two big sticks of rock candy is a cool concept, but they don't move me the same way.

And I love this bridge.

It took me ten years to get caught up, but it was worth it.

Maybe in another ten years I will check out the art museum and the Foss Waterway.

Either way, Tacoma is a great city.

COVID: It is all outside. There was a fair amount of traffic (including some dogs!), but nothing that made social distancing difficult.

Accessibility: Pretty good. The path on the bridge itself is smooth and wide. There is elevator access on the Glass Museum side, and access from ground level on the other side, which is also close to public transportation.

https://www.traveltacoma.com/listings/chihuly-bridge-of-glass/479/

https://www.knoxvilledailysun.com/travel/2020/tacoma.html

Tacoma, Washington: Washington State History Museum

Although I had been wanting to visit the Washington State History Museum for some time, what really got us there was Skate: Rinks, Derbies & Discos in Washington Skate History:

https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/skate/ 

Okay, the skating of my youth happened in Oregon, and yet there was so much that was familiar and delightful to remember.

We entered to the sounds of disco (starting with "I Feel Love" and "Xanadu"), and also to some familiar sights.

But hey, those lockers aren't just there for show; the doors without locks open up to reveal pictures and information.

There was fashion and engineering, but also there was a lot of local history, including how different time periods and movements affected skating, and even the role of one rink in keeping peace between towns.

The exhibit is fun, but it does not shy away from serious issues.

I thought it was really well-curated. One of the touches I appreciated was having a cast and an X-ray (though not from the same injury) in the roller derby section. 

Skate is at the museum through August 20th, and well worth the visit.

Ending much sooner (July 7th) is Resilience - A Sansei Sense of Legacy:

https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/resilience/

I found it powerful.

We are used to a focus on the Issei and Nikkei, so much so that I did not even know Sansei, the word for the third generation.

We are also used to informational exhibits, explaining the history. 

The museum has that covered as well: Remembrance: The Legacy of Executive Order 9066 in Washington State is a permanent exhibit and can be toured virtually:

https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/the-legacy-of-executive-order-9066-in-washington/ 

That information is available, but it is not presented with the art, keeping the focus on the emotional impact. Some of the pieces are deconstructions of familiar objects, and that fits perfectly.

I thought it was an excellent museum overall.

There is lots of information on Washington history, with creative ways of adding context.

This includes a friendly gopher mascot encouraging kids to dig deeper.

There is also a fantastic model train set, though it did not seem to be fully operational.

 I recommend.

COVID: I think there were actually a few masks other than mine. Also, while there were other visitors, the museum is spacious enough that social distancing was easy.

Accessibility: Good but not obvious. There were the best automated doors and restrooms, but to enter from car, you need to go down to the lower parking lot and take the elevator from there. There is elevator access to everywhere, but there are a lot of stairs, and they are more noticeable. Don't be discouraged!

There is also easy access from public transportation.

https://www.washingtonhistory.org/