Museums are the cultural hubs of Seattle. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the Emerald City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 24 local museums you’ll want to keep on your radar.
Art
Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave. | $20+
Seattle’s biggest art gallery showcases classic works from across the globe and Indigenous artists, as well as contemporary pieces from up-and-coming names.
Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St. | $10+
The Seattle Art Museum’s off-shoot gallery is home to a wide range of SAM’s Asian art pieces.
Henry Art Gallery | Donation-based admission
The contemporary art museum located on the UW campus has a permanent installation that encourages you to sit quietly and gaze up at the heavens through a giant skylight in the ceiling.
Chihuly Garden and Glass, 305 Harrison St. | $23+
Gaze upon the works of famed glass artist Dale Chihuly sprinkled throughout the museum’s gardens and exhibit halls.
Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave. | Free
In addition to its founding collection made up of primarily European artworks, this museum looks for commentary on current issues or new perspectives on past historical events.
Cultural
These longships would look kind of menacing coming out some fog on the Baltic Sea.
Photo by @bradleygearhart
National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market St. | $10+
Visitors can expect longships, tapestries, traditional garb, and artifacts from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.
Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), 2300 S. Massachusetts St. | $5+
In addition to exhibits focused on the history and culture of people of African descent, NAAM also hosts festivals and other big events.
Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St. | $10+
This institution is the only pan-Asian art and history museum in the US. It contains powerful interactive exhibits and conducts neighborhood tours.
Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, 4705 W. Marginal Way SW | Free
Used as a cultural hub for the Duwamish Tribe, this space also hosts artifact displays, interactive exhibits, and tours.
Just for fun
This is certainly one of the most reflective bathtubs we’ve ever seen.
Photo by @j.wl
Seattle Children’s Museum, 305 Harrison St. | $11+
Kids’ imaginations can run wild among the cardboard box city, recreated PNW mountain tops, and the Raindrop Reading Room.
Seattle Pinball Museum, 508 Maynard Ave. S. | $20+
The admission fee grants you unlimited play on all of the 50+ pinball machines dating back from the 1950s to current times.
Selfie Museum, 92 Union St. | $25+
Say cheese — spice up your next Instagram post at this museum with tons of fun backgrounds.
Museum of Illusions, 1330 Fifth Ave. | $27+
This museum is definitely worth a trip with its illusions, holograms, and mirrors that will have you questioning what’s up and what’s down.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), 325 Fifth Ave. N. | $27+
Inside one of Seattle’s most recognizable buildings, MoPOP has some of the world’s most recognizable pop culture artifacts, like props from “Harry Potter” + Jimi Hendrix’s guitars.
Science and technology
Located near kayak rentals, the Center for Wooden Boats, and lots of good restaurants, it’s easy to make a full family outing from your MOHAI trip.
Photo by @exploringthepnw_
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), 860 Terry Ave. N. | $17+
Take a trip to MOHAI to see drag racing cars, periscopes from World War II, and other innovations and inventions from the PNW.
Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N. | $18+
Release your inner scientist with exhibits on dinosaurs, tide pools, sound waves, farming in the PNW, and butterflies.
Burke Museum, 4303 Memorial Way NE | $14+
Discover fossils, the building blocks that make up our natural living world, pieces of human life from long, long ago.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, N. 440 Fifth Ave. | Free
The foundation dedicated to assisting international communities highlights their work + informs visitors on how to take action on urgent global issues.
NFT Museum, 2125 First Ave.| Suggested $15 donation
Feeling tech savvy? This Belltown spot can teach you what non-fungible tokens are + showcase the art of several digital creators.
Transportation, military, and history
Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S. | $18+
The giant museum spans two buildings, crossing the interstate. Discover how we got to space travel, see impressive historic aircraft, and peek inside an Air Force One plane.
The Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St. | Free
You can rent a boat here or browse the rotating exhibits that show off military vessels, smaller crafts, and the works of boat-loving artists.
Coast Guard Museum Northwest, 1519 Alaskan Way S. | Free
This often-overlooked spot has tons of interesting military artifacts like 2,500+ historic documents and vessel plans, 15,000+ photographs spanning multiple centuries, and parts of the famed USS Constitution ship.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 319 Second Ave. S. | Free
As prospectors made their way up to Canada for the Klondike Gold Rush, they spent a lot of time and money in Seattle boosting the city’s economy. Learn about this boom that led to the city’s 12-fold population expansion.
US Naval Undersea Museum, 1 Garnett Way, Newport | Free
This museum is a little north of Seattle, but totally worth the trip. Learn about torpedo technology, the extremity of deep ocean environments, and the history of submarines.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours –– like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
- These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
