The museum was opened on March 15, 1985, with US astronaut Neil Armstrong as the guest of honor.

[1] The museum's collection of European art glass includes over 30,000 pieces, 13,000 of which are on display.

It includes the largest collection in the world of Bohemian glass from Bohemia and Silesia.

The areas were rich in silica, limestone, potash and other materials used in making high quality glass.

Bohemian glass was made in different styles and often involves crystal engraving, hand enameling, and iridescence.