The Boathouse Self-Guided Tour

When I moved back to Seattle in the early ’80s, I wanted to create a studio on Lake Union, which is active with working vessels serving the fishing and boatbuilding industries. The building became available in 1989, and I knew it would be the perfect place for my team and me to create new work and a space where I could redesign in my own aesthetic and exhibit my personal collections of art and objects.

—Chihuly, The Boathouse: The Artist’s Studio of Dale Chihuly

Through the years, The Boathouse has been a place for Chihuly to experiment with and give birth to new ideas. Inside, the space is representative of Chihuly’s design aesthetic, showcasing pieces from his iconic bodies of work as well as his personal collections of art and unique objects. It is also home to The Hotshop, where Chihuly and his team of glassblowers create works in glass for exhibitions and art installations at museums and gardens around the world.

We invite you to use this guide as you explore The Boathouse during your visit. Starting in The Hotshop, click through each room when prompted, or use the links at the bottom of the page to navigate. 

Start tour here

The Hotshop
Persian Ceiling Hallway
The Northwest Room
The Tin Room
The Evelyn Room
The Italo Room
Back Hallway
The Aquarium Room
The Pool Room
The Ball Room*
The Library*
The Game Room*

*Bonus content! Rooms open for private events only.