Tacoma Union Station is a Beaux-Arts landmark at the top of the Bridge of Glass, one of the finest railroad stations in the Pacific Northwest. The building's copper dome and brick exterior were built to signal Tacoma's ambitions as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railway — ambitions that were ultimately overtaken by Seattle.
The interior now serves as a federal courthouse, but the main rotunda is accessible to visitors during business hours. Dale Chihuly's six major glass installations fill the space: massive amber and gold forms suspended from the ceiling, blue neon elements along the balcony, and a cobalt basket series near the entrance. The combination of Beaux-Arts architecture and contemporary glass art is incongruous and remarkable. The station is free to enter during court hours; security screening is required.