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All the United States Texas San Antonio Fiesta Tower

Fiesta Tower

Colorful curls of hand-blown glass form a captivating tower in San Antonio's Central Library.

San Antonio, Texas

Added By
William Davis
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Vivid in color.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Vivid in color.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Fiesta Tower.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Standing tall.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
View from the third floor.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
accompanying placard   knoxium / Atlas Obscura User
Looking up.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
A sight to see.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
San Antonio Central Library.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Center piece.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Hand-blown glass.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Near the study tables on the second floor of San Antonio's Central Library stands a 20-foot, eight-inch tall monstrosity of vivid, twisted glass orbs and pieces. Each piece of glass was hand-blown and crafted into place as if unfurling toward the heavens.

In 2001, internationally known glass artist Dale Chihuly was commissioned to create a glass sculpture to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the San Antonio Public Library system. Fiesta Tower, which he unveiled to the public in 2003, far exceeded expectation. It’s a vibrant ode to the people who call the city home, as the multicolored glass is meant to symbolize the many diverse cultures that make up San Antonio.

During the day, sunlight beams down to highlight the tower. After the sun goes down, the sculpture takes on a whole new life as 22 lights shine up onto different areas of the glass. It’s a dazzling sight to see.

Counting the number of glass pieces in the sculpture is nearly impossible, as losing count while trying is easy. But this doesn't keep people from attempting, as they are drawn to this captivating centerpiece and its many glimmering swirls and curls.

The Fiesta Tower is not the only attraction in the downtown Central Library. In addition to having thousands of books and media on three floors, the library also has an art exhibit gallery, tetra fish, and a waterfall fountain outside. Visitors can spend an entire day at this library admiring the abundance of artwork or just reading a book—many often do.

Related Tags

Sculptures Glass Flowers Dale Chihuly Glass Towers Libraries Art

Know Before You Go

Ask any one of the friendly library staff where the Fiesta Tower is located and they will gladly point you in the right direction.

Community Contributors

Added By

satxwdavis

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knoxium

  • knoxium

Published

June 29, 2018

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  • http://www.culturenow.org/entry&permalink=12093&seo=Fiesta-Tower_Dale-Chihuly-and-Public-Art-San-Antonio
  • https://www.getcreativesanantonio.com/Public-Art/Public-Artworks-Map/Public-Artworks-List/Public-Artwork/Article/137/Fiesta-Tower
  • https://mysapl.wordpress.com/tag/fiesta-tower/
Fiesta Tower
600 Soledad St
San Antonio, Texas
United States
29.432398, -98.493375
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum

San Antonio, Texas

miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of San Antonio

San Antonio

Texas

Places 41
Stories 7

Nearby Places

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum

San Antonio, Texas

miles away

San Fernando Cathedral City Centers

San Antonio, Texas

miles away

Alamo Line in the Sand

San Antonio, Texas

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of San Antonio

San Antonio

Texas

Places 41
Stories 7

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