DEARBORN, Mich. – You’ll be able to watch glassmaking while you sip beverages at a new bar that is opening in Dearborn next month.
Glass Academy is scheduled to open The Michigan Room, a lounge and bar, on Friday, May 9, 2025, in its 14,000 square foot facility.
“We want to give glass enthusiasts and newcomers a comfortable environment to watch the exciting process of glassblowing,” said Jacob Nordin, second-generation Glass Academy owner. “Few people get the chance to watch glassblowing up close, and The Michigan Room will provide an experience that immerses guests in the world of glass.”
There will be drafts and seltzers from Dearborn Brewing, botanical gin from Ann Arbor Distilling, small batch lemonade tonic from TeaHaus in Ann Arbor, bourbon and rum from Detroit City Distillery and small batch botanical sodas from Casamara Club Sodas in Detroit.
The beverages will be served in custom, hand-blown glasses that are specifically designed for each drink, and if you like the cup, you’ll be able to purchase one.
Once you grab your drink, you can hang out in The Michigan Room’s lounge area, or you can take a seat at the railing that runs along the hot shop for the closest view of the glassmaking happening in the 6,500 square foot hot shop.
When designing the lounge, Michigan and its Great Lakes were used as inspiration, according to the release. You’ll find vintage lamps, upcycled tables, and the color blue throughout, with the railing, bar and main counter crafted from Michigan-sourced black walnut.
The bar will be open to the public from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will be glass-making activities during the public hours and glass-blowing demonstrations on Thursdays.
The Glass Academy is located at 25331 Trowbridge Road.
People are also able to book The Michigan Room for private events for 30-125 people each day of the week. Possible events include glass demonstrations, “Design Your Own Glassware” happy hours.
For more information about the Glass Academy, visit here.