Family Activities

Try these activities at the museum!

Did you know?

There are 3,200 pieces of glass in the tower.
The ceiling holds 1,600 pieces of glass.
The tower is 43 feet tall.
The tower weighs 18,000 pounds (nine tons).
There are more than 14 different shapes of glass in the ceiling.
It took six people 14 days to install over 4,800 pieces of glass.

Explore the Hands-On Exhibit

Create your own sculptures with colorful plastic-like shapes.
Sit on a revolving platform and look up at the glass ceiling.
Blow glass virtually on a computer.
Explore a hot shop and learn more about the process on a computer.

Discuss as a group

What do Chihuly’s sculptures look like?
How many pieces of glass do you think are on the tower?
How many pieces of glass do you think are in the ceiling?
What different shapes can you find in the ceiling?
Can you find the following pieces of glass in the ceiling?

Try these activities at home!

Shape Hunt

After printing the shape page you and your child need to find things in your home with these shapes. Draw them in the space under each shape. If the weather is nice you can also find and draw things that match these shapes that you find outside.

Building a Sculpture

Using objects from around your house, for example: LEGOs, blocks, paper cups, paper, tape, boxes… build a sculpture. Can you make your sculpture tall? Can you make it wide? Get everyone in the family to add things to your sculpture. See who can add the funniest thing to the sculpture. Who can add the most colorful thing? Find a prominent place in your house to display your sculpture.

Design a Form

Together with your child learn about the forms that Chihuly uses in his Fireworks of Glass. Talk about the names and forms of the shapes. Now it is your turn to design your own forms. Look around your house for inspiration. What forms can you make from shapes you see in your house or in the outdoors? Using markers or watercolors design your own forms. Now share them with family and friends.

Drawing Your Own Chihuly

Together with your child learn about the forms Chihuly used in his Fireworks of Glass. Use these shapes to draw a sculpture. You can look at the Fireworks of Glass. sculpture for inspiration. After you have drawn the sculpture use markers, crayons, or watercolors to color it. When it is finished you might want to send it to someone special. Be sure to sign it since you are the artist!