union station

There are many reasons to stop by the Union station in Tacoma. As you drive downtown it stands out for it's beautiful Baroque/Classical architecture. The train station was built at the turn of the 20th century and served many years in that capacity. It has now been renovated and is the city court house. As you enter you need to show your ID to a police person and will be asked your purpose. If you are just there to check out the building and art you will be told that you can take all the photos you want but not of the court room entrance or the security check point. Off you go to view five large Chihuly glass installations. There is large chandelier in the center of the dome and a different style installation on each wall. I especially liked the wall of Ikebana style pieces. I had never seen a display of this type. You don't need a lot of time here but it's worth the stop to see the building as well as the art. And it's free!

Even though it is a courthouse now it's easy to step inside, just show an ID to see the lobby with it's Chihuly glass. Worth the short stop.

I parked at the Tacoma Museum of Glass and crossed over the bridge to get here but it was worth it. I loved Chihuly's butterflies in the large window overlooking the MOG. There were a few more art pieces in the lobby area as well. Please be aware they will ask you questions upon entering as court sessions take place in the immediate area and no pictures are allowed which are of those sessions. You can take pictures galore of everything else.

Now a Federal Court building, the old Union Station has been preserved and is a beautiful sight! You can enter the main hall, take photos of an amazing Chihuly glass chandelier, a glass art piece on the second floor and some nice flowers on the big window facing north. The open hall is beautiful in itself. We only stayed in the main hall but you can go into other areas behind additional security to look around, but you are only allowed to photograph in that massive main hall. Worth a stop, for sure!

Most of this building is government offices and not even accessible but stop by and see the chandelier.

The old Union Station is now a federal courthouse, so you don't get to see very much. The Chihuly glass in the lobby makes it worth a quick stop.

If you have a few minutes and you're nearby -- this is a great place to visit...This historic building is beautiful inside and out!

Glad they didn't take down this beautiful red brick building. It's a very impressive structure. Wasn't able to go inside as it was closed to view the glass sculptures.

Enjoyed the glass displays in the lobby of what is now the courthouse. One of our party was not able to enter, as she had left her purse in the car and they do require ID.

It's great that a few classic large spaces like this have been preserved. Not filled in with kiosks or displays, just open with several massive Chihuly pieces shown beautifully against the natural light. Worth a visit!

You only get to peak in at the Chihulys exhibited there but the space is really very lovely. Remember it is a courthouse so, leave the pocket knife at home.

Who would have thought a train station could be so beautiful with Chuhuilly glass hanging in it! It is so unique! There is no charge. Be sure to walk across the incredible Chuhuilly glass bridge located just behind Union Station.

The outside was much more impressive than the inside. There are some neat things to see, some Chihuly glass and vintage photos of its railroad heyday, but it is a government building now and not a whole lot to see inside.

I think most lawyers and judges would treasure a chance to work in this building. We enjoyed being able to walk around the lobby and mezzanine, both filled with glassworks by Dale Chihuli. It was also interesting to see how the classic features of the old train station had been preserved.

This takes about 15 minutes to see, and is just a few minutes walk from the art museum, history museum and glass museum. It is now a federal courthouse. A must do if you are in the area. Free.