Dale Chihuly: The Laguna Murano Chandelier
September 14, 2008 – April 19, 2009
From the Collection of George R. Stroemple

Tacoma, Wash. (August 19, 2008)— The Museum of Glass presents Laguna Murano Chandelier (1996), a majestic Neo-Baroque chandelier created by Dale Chihuly in collaboration with Italian glass master Pino Signoretto.  This immense and elegant chandelier of individually blown and sculpted glass elements will be on display beginning Saturday, September 14, 2008 in the Museum’s North Gallery.

In September 1996, at the conclusion of the event known as Chihuly Over Venice, Chihuly worked with Signoretto on the glassblower’s island of Murano, in an historic, week-long collaboration.  Recognizing the significance of the occasion, collector George R. Stroemple indicated his desire to acquire the chandelier.  Uncertain as to whether his home would accommodate such a monumental chandelier, Stroemple requested Chihuly design the work with multiple components, creating flexibility in its display.

The chandelier commands approximately 1,500 square feet and includes five separate elements—two suspended from the ceiling and three which rise from the floor.  Punctuated by opalescent flames and festooned with fantastical sea creatures, foliate masses, mermaids and kings, this splendid golden-green tangle glows, evoking the Muranese lagoon.

“Laguna Murano Chandelier is significant, not only for its exquisite beauty, complexity and scale, but also because of the story associated with it,” comments Museum of Glass curator Melissa G. Post.  “To see such a magnificent creation that is the result of a collaboration of two of the world’s greatest living glass artists is both inspiring and humbling.  We are grateful to Mr. Stroemple for the opportunity to bring this masterpiece to our visitors.”

Laguna Murano Chandelier will remain on display through April 19, 2009.