At the base of Seattle's famous Space Needle, the 45,000-square-foot Chihuly Garden and Glass opened on Monday transforming 1.5 acres of city asphalt into a glass garden oasis.

Controversy has swirled around the ticketed attraction which includes galleries, landscaping, a gift shop and cafe. Some lament the ticket price of $15-$19 for the one-artist museum which takes up a prime location in Seattle Center.

Others laud the visual impact of Chihuly's glass sculptures and the beautifully integrated spaces such as a 40-foot "Glasshouse" containing the artist's largest, suspended sculptures mixed with flora and fauna.

“It is every artist’s dream to be able to showcase their work in one place and I am pleased to have this opportunity in my home community, said Chihuly at the opening. "The best works of my career are brought together in this exhibition and I hope everyone likes it.”

It is estimated that over 400,000 people a year will come to Seattle from all corners of the world to view the exhibition.

For more information visit: www.chihulygardenandglass.com