Dale Chihuly’s large-scale architectural glass art installations, showcased in over 150 art museums and popping up across the country in city gardens, are known for their playful spirit and dazzling theatrics. With the sun to set aglow the whimsical colors and intricately woven shapes, there is an energized thrill that pops out of the garden surroundings when the sculptures are viewed in the daytime.
Viewing the sculptures at night is just as dramatic, but each one exudes a more magically ethereal energy. It is like stepping into a modern midsummer night’s dream, as the golden sunset melds into the blank canvas of inky blue twilight.
Like the daytime, sculptures take center stage at night, but with the garden surroundings masked in shadow, every piece is an encore.
Know Before You Go:
- Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum continues day and night through November 5th.
- Chihuly Nights are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from May – July.
Wednesday and Thursday in August.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in September.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in October. - To make the most of your visit, consider arriving 1 ½ hours before sunset to see the sculptures in the daylight, and then enjoy one of the many dining options offered by the garden as you wait for the sunset.
- Don’t forget bugspray if you plan to stay for the evening.
~Today I am linking up with Budget Travelers Sandbox, R We There Yet Mom? and Delicious Baby where you can see other great photos from great travel locations.~ I am also linking up with McDougall Photography.~
The Dallas Arboretum provided my family with free tickets to Chihuly Nights. They did not require that I express a particular viewpoint and all opinions are my own
I heard about these sculptures. They look amazing in your pictures. I've been wanting to go back to the Dallas Arboretum ever since I spent one afternoon in the fall there a year or two ago. Everything was so beautifully decorated that I want to go back and see what else they come up with at different times of the year 🙂
Sometimes in Seattle we get a bit "Chihuly'ed out" but you have brought such a new twist to the glass by showing it at night. The photos are spectacular – what a great idea!
Sounds like a great exhibit! At night with the special lighting, it sure brings out a spectacular dramatic display of colors and features. We recently saw a pretty great one of his sculptures at the Indianapolis Children's Museum too, and it was pretty stellar.
I caught this same exhibit a couple of years ago when it was in Phoenix. It's just stunning.
I think this would be such an awesome date night! I really want to see them, but especially at night. And great photos!
So SO jealous you got to see his work at night. I really have to get down to our own exhibit at night. Glad you got to see something so magical for your birthday 😉
Absolutely beautiful at night. While I loved your daytime picture, I think I like the night shots better. The sunset in the backdrop does make it seem more magical. I need to go find those Chihuly exhibits around here.
At first glance, I thought a few of those scultures were just really colorful plants. Great night photos!
I loved your daytime Chihuly shots but the nighttime ones are spectacular! I really have to figure out where I can see some of his work!!
Wow, these sculptures look even more fantastic at night! How do they light them up so well?
Spectacular! Now I'm more inspired to spend the money to go to the new museum in Seattle…
I've been reading a lot about his glass sculptures lately. These are gorgeous!
This is a great show. The sculptures have really come to life at night. it's hard to believe they are made of glass
I'm a big fan of Chihuly, but have never seen his work in such a setting. The nightime shots are fanstastic.
Hi! I am a first time visitor so I wanted to say hi! …These night shots are so beautiful! I can tell the place is wonderful during the day too but the night brings out it's true beauty! 🙂
These sculptures are amazing and look like they are even more beautiful at night than during the day. I can't believe I haven't heard of them before.