I wasn’t expecting much from a glass collection. I’ve seen a few glass exhibits in England, so I was just expecting a few nice vases and bowls. But the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center in St.Petersburg, Florida, is something special.
First off, St. Petersburg is a beautiful city. After an incredible lunch of Oysters and Steak Frites at Cassis American Brasserie with the folks over at Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, we walked down Beach Drive to the Chihuly Collection presented by Morean Arts Center.
Actually located about a mile east of the Morean Arts Center, the building that houses the collection is designed by award winning architect Albert Alfonso and has a very chic, contemporary look. Inside this 10,000 square foot setting is a permanent collection of glass art by world-famous artist Dale Chihuly.
The collection is a world of crazy colours and shapes, with each installation providing a different visual experience. My favourite was the Float Boat, filled with large colourful marbles that are reflected in a glass floor to give the idea that the boat is on water. Other ones I particularly liked included the spiky Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier and the Persian Sunset wall.
Even if you wouldn’t class yourself as a ‘gallery’ person, this is well worth seeing. I went in with no prior knowledge of Dale Chihuly’s work, and had no expectations, but this was really fun an interesting. There’s also a store selling art by Dale Chihuly and merchandise related to his work.
The Chihuly Collection building by Albert Alfonso
Persian Sunset Wall
The Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier
Float Boat
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