Not many living artists are given their own museum, and especially not glass artists. But Dale Chihuly is almost a household name, primarily because of his enormous and enormously intricate glass chandeliers, which hang in museums, casinos and other public spaces around the world. I used to find Chihuly’s work—what I knew of it—a little overwrought and even somewhat vulgar. But a visit to this new museum, which opened right below the Space Needle in 2012, changed my mind. Perhaps it was the eye-searing colors of the pieces in contrast to the gray Seattle day, or perhaps it was seeing the almost unbelievable intricacy of the large installations, but Chihuly’s artistry is electric when seen in the broader context this museum affords. The museum presents an overview of this Tacoma-born artist’s 45-year career, including marvelous early works, such as flattened glass vessels influenced by Native American basketry and pottery. Some works hang from the ceiling, others rise like giant neon-colored underwater seascapes with twisting, nestling, writhing organic shapes that look soft and hard at the same time. Outside, in the museum’s garden, Chihuly’s vibrant glass pieces rise up like plants and trees among the natural vegetation. Every piece you see in this dynamic museum—which is half funhouse, half shrine—explores, reimagines, and ultimately transcends the traditional boundaries and limitations of glass art. And, by the way, there’s an excellent gift shop. Visit before 10am and you will get up to $10 off the regular admission price.