Chihuly Collection shines in Downtown St. Petersburg

ABOVE: A portion of the large-scale ceiling sculpture at the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center.

A  stunning exhibit of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures continues to awe visitors in trendy downtown St. Petersburg.  Located at the Morean Arts Center, the collection is celebrated for its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and the masterful artistry of Chihuly, whose work revolutionized the art of glassmaking.
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Chihuly, an American glass sculptor born in 1941, is admired for his innovative techniques and masterful large-scale installations. After receiving a Masters Degree in sculpture and another in fine art, Chihuly studied at the century-old Venini glass factory in Murano, Italy, whose artistic glass has its origins in 13th-century Venetian culture.

The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center, which opened in 2010, is the first exhibit of Chihuly’s work housed in a building designed specifically for that purpose, in order to highlight the expansive glass forms. The building’s exterior entrance is marked by an impressive 20-foot sculpture created especially for the site.
The collection includes several of Chihuly’s iconic series, such as “Persian Ceiling,” “Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier,” “Ikebana Boat,” and “Macchia Forest.”  The grand finale of the Chihuly Collection is an elaborate and large-scale garden of glass titled "Mille Fiori" ("Thousand Flowers") which rises several feet from the floor and allows visitors to view it from all sides as they walk around it. 

Each piece in the collection showcases Chihuly’s unique ability to transform glass into dynamic and expressive forms. The beautiful space also has several Chihuly drawings and paintings on its walls that served as sketches for some of his work. After viewing the collection, visitors can walk a block to The Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop to watch live glass-blowing demonstrations and purchase art glass created onsite.  Admission to the Morean Glass Studio is included in the price of entrance into the Chihuly Collection. 

Chihuly’s career took a pivotal turn in 1976 when he was involved in a severe car accident that left him blind in one eye. Despite this and a shoulder injury, he continued to create, directing his team to execute his visionary designs. His work has been exhibited in over 200 museums worldwide, from the Louvre in Paris to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Chihuly’s enormous ceiling installation at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas,  titled “Fiori di Como,” set the Guiness World Record for the largest glass sculpture.   

The Morean Arts Center, established in 1917, offers a range of programs and exhibits that promote contemporary art and art education. In addition to the Chihuly Collection, the center features rotating exhibitions and art classes for all ages.  

As St. Petersburg continues to grow as a cultural destination, the Chihuly Collection remains a must-see attraction, offering an immersive experience that captivates and inspires. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious, a visit to the Chihuly Collection is a journey through the extraordinary vision of one of the greatest glass artists of our time. 

The Chihuly Collection is located at 720 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg.  Adult tickets are $20 and there are discounts for seniors and students. Its current hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
If you have time during your visit to downton St. Pete, take in more impressive art at The Dali Museum just a short drive away, which is home to the largest collection of Salvador Dali works in the world, as well as impressive temporary art exhibits.

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