SEATTLE (AP) — A new exhibit space at the base of the Seattle Space Needle opens to the public Monday, featuring the colorful glass art created by Dale Chihuly (shuh-HOO’-lee).
The 70-year-old Tacoma native designed the gallery himself. It’s called Chihuly Garden and Glass.
The exhibit replaces children’s rides in the area known as the Fun Forest on the 50th anniversary of the center, which was originally built for the 1962 world’s fair.
A soaring glass ceiling creates space for Chihuly chandeliers as the Space Needle rises above. The gallery includes a small movie theater and cafe. Native plants and glass objects share an outdoor garden.
Tickets cost $19 dollars. Chihuly Garden and Glass expects to draw 400,000 tourists and other visitors a year.
