Dale Chihuly
Chiffon and Sangria Azalea Chandelier (detail), 2024
9 x 6½ x 6’
© 2024 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.

Brought to you by The Perry Family Foundation

We are excited to announce the upcoming addition of one of the most significant permanent collections of Dale Chihuly’s work on the east coast. This extraordinary collection will be seamlessly integrated into the rare and endangered plants housed within the Perry Conservatory, a centerpiece of The Garden of Tomorrow project – opening late fall.

“Chihuly’s organic forms and vibrant colors are reminders of the beauty, interconnectedness, and diversity of the natural world. His sculptures inspire contemplation and, I believe, serve as a catalyst for raising awareness and nurturing a deeper connection to nature. It is this connection that, we hope, will inspire others to protect our precious plants and waterways for the benefit of future generations. The addition of Chihuly’s work will amplify our conservation and educational efforts, reaching a global audience.”

— Peter Schmidt, NBG President & CEO

Nature in Glass:

The inclusion of Chihuly’s artwork at Norfolk Botanical Garden celebrates not only the artist’s groundbreaking contributions to the studio glass movement but also the Garden’s commitment to preserving both natural and cultural histories for future generations. The collection offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the harmonious blend of art, nature and architecture.

Chandelier in process

The Hotshop, The Boathouse, Seattle, 2024

© 2024 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.

Chiffon and Sangria Azalea Chandelier:

A standout piece in the new collection is the Chiffon and Sangria Azalea Chandelier (2024). Designed specifically for Norfolk Botanical Garden, this stunning artwork pays tribute to the 220 African American Works Progress Administration workers who originally planted the Garden’s azaleas. The vibrant colors of the chandelier honor the heritage of these early gardeners and their lasting impact.

Dale Chihuly
Chiffon and Sangria Azalea Chandelier (detail), 2024 | 9 x 6½ x 6′

© 2024 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.

About Dale Chihuly:

Dale Chihuly is an American artist who transforms spaces with experiments in color, light, transparency, and form. He is known for his exhibitions and large-scale architectural installations around the world and for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly works with a variety of media including glass, paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro, and his work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, including Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Corning Museum of Glass. Major exhibitions include Chihuly Over Venice (1995–96); Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999); de Young Museum in San Francisco (2008); Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2011); Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond (2012); Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (2013); Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto (2016); Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas (2017); Groninger Museum, Groningen, the Netherlands (2018); Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London (2019); Gardens by the Bay, Singapore (2021); and Adelaide Botanic Garden, Australia. Chihuly Garden and Glass, a major long-term exhibition, opened in Seattle in 2012. 

Dale Chihuly with Norfolk Botanical Garden team members
Chihuly Studio, Seattle, 2024
© 2024 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.