Jamestown Glasshouse — Attraction in Williamsburg

Visited December 2022, week in between Christmas and New Years. There were no crowds. Maybe 2 or 3 other families there total. The bathroom is in the parking lot as a separate structure. Make sure you paid at the historic jametowne main visitor center as this is a paid attraction. There were signs posted in multiple places.

When you walk down the path make sure to take the right trail that looks to go off road. It's the intended route. There are information plaques to read to get the history. It circles back round to the old ruins of the glass gouse. They have enclosed the ruins in a larger structure. It can be hard to see in there because you get the darkness mixed with bright sunlight coming through some of the upper windows. There are multiple ruin structures. The path brings you out insight of the new glasshouse structure.

The glass house has a giant furnance operating in the middle of it. There were 2 glass blowers working together pracricing make the 2023 glass collectable you can buy. Each of the collectable pieces are numbered and the 2022 was on discount sale available in the store. There was a 3 person who would help out and manage the store front. There is a very nice store front but be careful with younger kids as its all full of glass pieces. They also have their special NPS cancellation stamp on the counter and some merchandise like pins, magnets, keychains etc. They glassblower will answer any questions you have as well. My kids, 13, 10 and 7 were watching them work with the glass for 30 mins and never got bored. This was definitely a must see. Not sure if i would go back just to see it again. As you exit its a much shorter walk back to the...

A wonderful, warm and fascinating place to see an operating glass house The Jamestowne Glasshouse is located near the original Jamestown settlement in Virginia. It has good signage and a dedicated parking lot. Once parked you have to traverse a walkway to the building. It is a short path to the building. There are doors on every corner. The entrance closest to the walkway is well marked and is the best one to enter as it brings you to the shop that has the beautiful finished works of the artisans working by the large oven behind it in the center of the barn. This place offers a fascinating glimpse into one of America’s first industries. Established in 1608 by English colonists, the glassblowing operation was an early attempt at creating a profitable export for the struggling settlement. Today, visitors can watch skilled artisans recreate this historic craft using traditional techniques in a working studio. The artisans shape molten glass into bottles, vases, and ornaments, just as early settlers did over 400 years ago. Watching glassblowers work their craft is mesmerizing, and the connection to history adds depth to the experience. The artists were in period costume, extremely knowledgeable, and worked continuously making objects the entire time that I visited. Once completed the pieces were placed in smaller annealing ovens closer to the display shop. Once you’re done stop by the shop and pick up something to remind you of your visit. I did. If you’re visiting Historic Jamestown, the Glasshouse is a must-see stop that blends history, craftsmanship,...

I don't normally post reviews but I feel compelled to share after seeing a negative review from someone who visited the shop at the end of day and said the artists were rude. I find that impossible to believe based on my experience. We wandered up at about a quarter after 4 or so and saw the tail end of a demo. The artist, whose name I did not get, made a point of making eye contact and acknowledging us when we joined the onlookers. What I saw of the demo was absolutely stunning to watch and the artist explained everything he was doing and why in a way that makes me feel he is passionate about his work even though I'm sure he had said the same thing at least 10 times already that day. As we were going to the gift shop he came over to us and initiated conversation. (read - he didn't have to and a rude person wouldn't) We bought a few things and never felt hurried even though we were definitely holding them up. My daughter and I went to the glasshouse dig exhibit and spent some time at the beach. As we were leaving the area well after business hours had ended we were again acknowledged. I can honestly say this was the highlight of my vacation. I was made to feel like an old friend not just a tourist with a checkbook. Absolutely, unequivocally, genuinely an excellent experience.

And should the artist see this, if you find yourself in Iowa, moth crested twin, look me up. I'll buy you...