The Chihuly Collection

Dale Chihuly is a world-renowned artist who is famous for his beautifully lit and arranged glass installations. After a series of accidents in the 1970s, Chihuly lost vision in one eye and injured his arm to the point that he couldn’t produce his own work and was forced to hire others. Fortunately, this has not stopped him from exhibiting his installations all over the world. He has opened several permanent exhibitions across the United States, including his most recent exhibition known as the Chihuly Collection which opened in 2010.

The Chihuly Collection features a remarkable selection of Chihuly masterpieces, located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Collection, presented by the Morean Arts Center, is one of six permanent exhibitions in the United States and the only location to be found on the East Coast. Outside the entrance of the Chihuly building stands a 20-foot glass sculpture, the Rose Crystal Tower, created specifically for the Chihuly Collection.

Fused with elegant art and architecture, Chihuly’s art space was designed by award-winning architect Alberto Alfonso. Chihuly explained in a press release,

“The opening of the Chihuly Collection is truly one of the proudest moments of my career.” The artist added, “The Chihuly Collection would not be the spectacular space that it is today without the hard work, vision and dedication of my dear friend and architect Alberto Alfonso, who transformed the space into a spectacular architectural environment to showcase my work.”

Dale Chihuly, Photo credit: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Chihuly is considered a pioneer in the contemporary art glass movement with his exploration in the innovation, style and design of his complex glass installations.