Chihuly Exhibit – Montreal

In the late spring, I read that Dale Chihuly was to exhibit his impressive glass sculptures at the the Musée des Beaux-Arts, here inMontreal, during the summer months and into the fall. So, you know – we had aaaaaaall the time in the world to visit… but of course, we never did. (What’s that expression? The road to hell is paved with good intentions.)

But then! My kids had a day off school last week, and I finally decided to go and check it out before it was too late.

This piece out front called “The Sun” is 13 feet high, and it lights up at night. It is outstanding!

There are so many difficulties working in this medium – glass is fragile, of course, but also working with pigments that need heating during the process, is no small feat. During the walk through the exhibit, one can read all about the various installations, sometimes with an accompanying video showing the making-of. Inside, people just walked around almost dazed into near-silence, with light smiles tugging at the corners of their lips…

Glass Forest

It’s fairly dark inside the exhibit, (partly to preserve the pieces – no camera flashes, please!) mostly because the sculptures are arranged to be illuminated in the most perfect ways… they seem to sing to you. Once I finally gave my head a wee shake, and blinked, I realised I’d lost one of my kids… but then I spied Oliver just a few paces away, chatting with an elderly lady – their heads were together, and their fingers were outstretched in front of them as they pointed to the figures of the “Glass Forest” sculptures.

I took Ava Scarlett by the hand and we sauntered over to join them. The lady asked Oliver questions in French, and he answered her shyly, nodding and smiling. She said, “What thoughtful, lovely boy you have here.” I smiled and thanked her, and she asked my kids more questions about their thoughts on the pieces we’d seen.

Float Boat

There were some of the most amazing chandeliers you’ve ever seen in your life, but I think this one was my favourite:

One of many impressive chandeliers – “Orange Hornet”

But the most amazing part for me was the installation room called the “Persian Ceiling”. Wander in and get bathed in an amber light-glow, with an assortment of hand-blown glass sculptures piled up over your head on a glass floor. I was struck dumb. I mean, you guys…

Persian Ceiling

Ava Scarlett felt like she was underwater, and tried to hold her breath the whole time, while making breast-strokes through the air. It was truly marvellous.

Persian Ceiling

I might lie on my back to experience this room better when I return next week.

I wish I’d gone earlier this summer to visit this exhibit, but it’s running until October 27th. Honestly, I will go again before it’s gone, baby, gone. Admission is $20 for adults, but free for children under the age of 12. There’s still time – run, don’t walk. It’s SPECTACULAR, I tell you!!