During your visit to the Blenko Glass Company, explore the Visitor Center. On the first floor you can shop the factory outlet store. The second floor galleries feature exhibits on the Blenko Glass Company’s history and showcase Blenko glass. Attached to the Visitor Center is an observation area that allows you to watch Blenko’s skilled craftsmen transform molten glass into its final form. Outside, you can wander the garden and grounds of the Blenko Glass Company.
Shop the Blenko Glass Visitor Center’s Factory Outlet Store
Begin your visit to Blenko Glass Visitor Center in the factory outlet store on the Center’s ground floor, featuring an impressive selection of Blenko glass items. Shop limited edition pieces. Holiday items include everything from Christmas ornaments to festive trinkets. Bowls in all shapes and color that exhibit the creativity of the craftsmen are featured. Decanters of all sizes can be found in the store. An assortment of pitchers and vases come in translucent shades of green, blue, yellow, red and pink glass. Other unique items include dimpled glasses, bookends, top hats and cowboy hats, candleholders, paperweights in heart and star shapes and an assortment of curios.
Discover the History of Blenko Glass
Head to the second floor of the Blenko Glass Company and learn about the history of Blenko glass. A small display of Blenko’s historical work, primarily early pieces from the 1930s and some experimental pieces are showcased. Of particular importance is Blenko’s collection of stained glass windows, made with Blenko sheet glass by leading American artisans. Additionally, you will find displays of a country music award trophy, presidential gifts, U.S. Capitol lighting globes and original Williamsburg stemware all crafted from Blenko glass.
Observation Area
Pier into a large area inside the plant and watch as molten glass take its final form. From watching silica sand, combined with other materials fused under intense heat to blowers who transform the glass into a form to the cooling process that must take place, you can observe the skill of Blenko’s expert craftsmen and women, acquired only after many years of experience, from the observation area.
The Garden and Duck Pond at the Blenko Glass Company
Outside is Blenko’s garden of glass, installed by Joel Myers. Wander the garden of glass, strewn with colorful glass shards which border a small trail that winds around part of the Blenko Glass Company. Ducks lazily floating about in the small, man-made lake bordering the factory is not an unusual sight to see.
- Do not miss one of Blenko’s glass making demonstrations. Visit the official Blenko Glass Company website to find out about demonstrations taking place during your visit.
- Bring your camera. There will be exciting photo opportunities during your visit to the Blenko Glass Company.