The collection opened at 400 Beach Drive in
2010 with a stunning selection of Chihuly’s unique
artwork in a 10,000-square-foot area that was
designed by Tampa’s award-winning architect
Albert Alfonso.
Owned and operated by the nonprofit Morean,
the Chihuly Collection was recently moved to the
vibrant Central Arts District directly across the
street from the Morean at 719 Central Avenue. The
move puts the collection in close proximity with the
Morean Glass Studio and Hot Shop so that visitors
can easily experience all venues.
The new location has an exhibition space for
other well-known glass artists and a retail space
that offers merchandise by Chihuly Workshop
56 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH APRIL 2017
and local artisans, along with custom products for
visitors of the Chihuly Collection. The retail area
is accessible free of charge.
The collection’s executive director is Andy
Schlauch, who worked in Seattle, Washington, for
the Chihuly Studio. In St. Petersburg, he oversees
the overall direction and operations of the collection
in addition to leading the Morean Glass Studio
and Hot Shop.
The new space also has a garden that can be
used by the community for special events ranging
from weddings to corporate parties. There also is a
theater where videos showcase Dale Chihuly and
his team working in the Hot Shop and installing
exhibitions around the world.
Dale Chihuly has created more than a dozen
well-known series of works.
The layout for the Chihuly Collection in its Central
Avenue location seems totally new, yet familiar.