The Museum of Glass is the recipient of the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) Annual Award for 2008. The award was presented to Museum of Glass Director Timothy Close on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Sculpture Objects and Functional Art (SOFA) exposition in Chicago.

AACG is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to further the development and appreciation of art made from glass. The Alliance informs collectors, critics and curators by encouraging and supporting museum exhibitions, university glass departments and specialized teaching programs, regional collector groups, visits to private collections, and public seminars.

“We are very honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award,” states Close. “The Museum of Glass strives to be the best contemporary glass museum in the world by providing inspiring exhibitions in our galleries, entertaining and explanatory demonstrations in our Hot Shop, and engaging educational programs for our visitors—all with the goal of making glass and art accessible to all. To have the AACG recognize our efforts is significant.”

Each year AACG selects one organization to be honored for its contributions to the contemporary glass movement. Along with the award, the Museum received a $5,000 gift and Close was provided the opportunity to present a public lecture at SOFA Chicago. Close’s presentation, entitled “All Glass, All the Time,” outlined the major changes the Museum has undergone during his tenure. A new name, a new mission and a commitment to become a collecting institution all have focused the Museum on the medium of glass.

Previous recipients of the AACG Annual Award include The Museum of American Glass at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center (2005), Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (2003), The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass (1999) and Pilchuck Glass School (1995), among others.

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The Museum of Glass provides a dynamic learning environment to appreciate the medium of glass through creative experiences, collections and exhibitions. In addition to the Hot Shop Amphitheater where visitors can watch artists work, the facilities include galleries, outdoor exhibition areas, a theater, studio, grand hall, store and café.

The Museum of Glass is sponsored in part by the City of Tacoma Arts Commission, the Washington State Arts Commission, ArtsFund and Comcast. The Visiting Artist Program at the Museum of Glass is sponsored by Courtyard by Marriott / Tacoma.

Hours and Admission
Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Third Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Store is also open Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): also open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free for members, $10 general, $8 seniors, military and students (13+ with ID), $8 groups of 10 or more, $4 children (6-12) years old. Children under 6 are admitted free. Admission is free every third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Info Line 253-284-4750/ 1-866-4MUSEUM
Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock Street Tacoma, WA 98402