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Art & Museums
Public art, art galleries and museums are a gift to the people. The artist and the art community, as a love of the craft and skill involved, make available to the public these creations to be pondered, studied, and hopefully admired. The theme of these works of art can be obscure or quite clear. However, even in what seems to be a clearly stated work of art, do not be surprised to find that the artist has something hidden for you to find. No matter your favorite style of art, you will find it on display in the Puget Sound area.
Museums collect, preserve and display items from the past, for people of the present and future. Museums tell us a story or show us a timeline of the past; not only in words, but in paintings, photos, carvings, useful objects and objects of which their use is yet to be discovered. Many museums have interactive exhibits for both children and adults. Some museums have real-time stations where we can see history in the making.
Some museums are free at all times but may ask for a donation, while others have free days or hours. No matter your area of interest you will find a museum in our little corner of the world that you will enjoy exploring.

LACONNER QUILT &
TEXTILE MUSEUM
703 S. 2nd Street
La Conner, WA
360-466-4288
Official Website
Map
The La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum is housed in the historic 1891 Gaches Mansion. This unique museum features three stories of quilts and textiles that range from traditional to contemporary, with a focus on works from the Northwest.

MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART
121 South First Street
La Conner, WA
360 466 4446
Official Website
Map
The Museum of Northwest Art strives to collect, preserve, and interpret the art of the Northwest. The museum's growing collection includes over 2,500 contemporary art objects from the early 1900s to the present day. Noted artists include Mark Tobey, Guy Anderson, Morris Graves, Kenneth Callahan, Hilda Morris, George Tsutakawa, Richard Gilkey, Leo Kenney, Doris Chase, Paul Horiuchi, Ambrose Patterson, Viola Patterson, Neil Meitzler, Frank Okada, Clayton James, Philip McCracken, Dale Chihuly, Mary Randlett, Max Benjamin, Jay Steensma, William Slater, and Sonja Blomdahl.
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West Seattle & Alki Beach
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4711 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206-938-0339
www.artswest.org
map
Arts West is an art gallery by day and a theatrical performance house by night. Every Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 7:00 PM, Arts West Gallery is open to the public, and admission is FREE.
Playhouse performances start at 7:30 PM (except for the Sunday Matinee, which starts at 3:00 PM). The Playhouse presents a six-play season; the 2008-2009 season features four Seattle premieres (including a Tony Award Winner for Best Play and an award-winning World Premiere). Each play pushes at the boundaries of issues, audience, and the theater itself.
Since moving into this beautiful theater and art gallery near the corner of California and Alaska Streets (in the heart of the West Seattle Junction), ArtsWest has entertained over 200,000 visitors with over 400 productions and exhibitions. Check the website for performance schedule and ticket info. |
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Bellevue
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510 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 519-0770
www.bellevuearts.org
map
Bellevue Arts Museum, established in 1975, has consistently presented high quality exhibitions with a broad regional—and in some cases national—impact . Over the years, the Museum has developed a strong reputation as an important showcase for contemporary art.
In 2004, Bellevue Arts Museum decided to also focus on reestablishing its role in a community art fair. Their vision: "Illuminating and enriching the human spirit through art, craft and design." Since then the Museum has presented 35 world-class exhibitions celebrating high -caliber international and local artists, as well as over 250 free or low-cost educational programs.
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Olympia
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918 Glass Avenue Northeast
Olympia, WA 98507
360-753-1215
www.bigelowhouse.org/
Map
Visit the Bigelow House Museum, one of the oldest, still standing, houses in the Pacific Northwest. Built between 1855 and 1860, the Bigelow House is a rare surviving example of the Carpenter Gothic style popular in rural America during the mid-1800s. Relive the earliest days of Washington Territory as you explore the house and surrounding gardens.
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University District
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University of Washington
17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206 543 5590
www.burkemuseum.org
Free 1st Thurs until 8pm
Open daily 10am to 5pm
In its 100-plus year history, the Burke museum has garnered worldwide recognition as a museum of natural history and culture. The Burke features changing exhibits for the general public to enjoy on subjects ranging from current research and recent discoveries in natural history to the finest traditional and contemporary cultural arts.
If your interests fall in any of these categories--anthropology, ethnology, archaeology, mammology, botany, ornithology, paleobotany, paleontology, geology, ichthyology, herpetology, arachnology, natural history, cultural arts--the Burke is the place for you.
Café on premises. |
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South Lake Union
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South Lake Union
1010 Valley Street
Seattle, WA 98109-4468
Phone 206 386 2628
Admission: Free or donation
Museum Hours: Oct-March Tues thru Sun 10am to 5 pm Boat Rentals noon to dusk. March-Oct every day 10am to 6pm Boat Rentals, noon to 6pm
FREE classic boat rides every Sunday 2pm to 3pm
www.cwb.org
map
Explore a collection of wooden boats that ranges from ancient dugout canoes and Kayaks to modern day boats. Watch restorations in progress, old salts and young salts at work. Or, observe a native canoe carver ply this ancient craft. View historic ships and check out the native canoes displayed overhead in the rafters. Sail or row a boat. Be sure to check out the Seattle Slipper! |
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Waterfront
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Pier 36 map
1519 Alaska Way South
Seattle, Washington 98134
Phone 206 217 6993
www.rexmwess.com/cgpatchs/cogardmuseum.html
Admission: FREE
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 3pm
Closed Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
You’ll find large displays of various Coast Guard memorabilia, nautical items and over 15,000 photographs from as early as the 1800's on display here. And the red-hulled icebreakers POLAR STAR, POLAR SEA and HEALY are homeported here, as well as the 378' high-endurance patrol cutters MELLON and MIDGETT. They may be available to visitors. Go aboard and ask. |
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Magnolia
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map
3801 W Government Way
Seattle, WA 98199
website
Visitors Center 206 386 4236
Park Hours 6: a.m. to 11: p.m. daily
Visitor Center 8:30 a.m. to 5: p.m. Tue thru Sun Closed holidays
Admission: Free
Hike over 11 miles of trails, explore Kiwanis Ravine an urban forest and home to Seattle's largest great blue heron nesting colony, 37 nesting pairs, visit The Daybreak Star Indian Art Gallery. This secluded site includes two miles of protected tidal beaches, open meadow lands, dramatic sea cliffs, forest groves, active sand dunes, thickets and streams. Bring a picnic lunch and your hiking shoes, it’s a great way to spend a day and it’s just across the Ballard Bridge. |
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Edmonds, Washington
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Anderson Center
700 Main Street
Edmonds, WA 98026
425-771-6412
Website
Map
On Father's Day Weekend, over 75,000 art-lovers converge on Edmonds for the free three-day Edmonds Arts Festival. One of the Pacific Northwest's oldest and largest arts festivals offers up a rich array of visual and performing arts and art events in a stunning natural setting. This Festival truly has something for everyone: oils, watercolors, pastels, drawings, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry, glass, metal, pottery/ceramics, toys, collectibles, and furniture. There are performing arts, children's activities, musicians, and storytellers. A wine bar and bistro, with a great view of the Puget Sound, offers festival goers a place to stop and rest awhile. |
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Edmonds, Washington
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118 5th Ave N
Edmonds, WA 98020
425-774-0900
Website
Map
The museum building has two floors. The upper floor features an exhibit gallery which offers temporary rotating displays, a diorama depicting the 1910 Edmonds townsite and waterfront, and the Cook Victorian Parlor. The ground floor consists of the long-term exhibit "The Changing Face of Edmonds" an encapsulated, thematic, and chronological history exhibit, interpreting the many changes that have taken place, from the age of exploration and discovery, through the founding and growth of the city, up to the 1950s when the last mill closed.
If it is a nice day, you might want to grab one of the free brochures that helps you on a self-guided walking tour of the public art and historical architectural sites of downtown Edmonds. |
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Seattle Center
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325 Fifth Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone 206 724 3428
www.empsfm.org/
Restaurant on premise
Explore the essence of rock 'n' roll, from its roots in jazz, soul, gospel, country and the blues, to its influence on hip hop, punk and other more recent genres in this one of a kind structure. Learning about music has never been so much fun. |
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Tacoma
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map
Located in Point Defiance Park
5400 N Pearl Street #11
Tacoma, WA 98407 USA
253 591-5339
website

Fort Nisqually, a Hudson's Bay Company outpost built in 1833, was the first European settlement on Puget Sound. With a diverse work force of American, English, French Canadian, Hawaiian, Irish, Native American, and Scottish laborers, Fort Nisqually was a bustling center of trade that expanded into a large-scale agricultural enterprise.

Today, in the Living History Museum, volunteers and staff in period clothing demonstrate the crafts of the 19th Century and engage visitors in historic-feeling dialogue. This amazing place steps the visitor back in time to experience life in Washington Territory during the fur trade era. Check the website for admission and operating hours information. |
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Capitol Hill
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map
704 Terry Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98104
Phone: 206 622-9250
www.fryeart.org/
Opening times vary please call ahead.
Admission: Free
Free Parking
Located on First Hill not far from downtown Seattle, the Frye is the home of the extensive art collection of Charles and Emma Frye, Seattle pioneers who began collecting art in the 1890s. The collection focuses on late-19th-century and early 20th century European and American painters Andrew Wyeth, Thomas Hart Benton, Edward Hopper, Albert Bierstadt, and Pablo Picasso, as well as a large collection of engravings by Winslow Homer. In addition temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year. Café on Premise |
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Everett, Washington
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8415 Paine Field Blvd
Mukilteo, WA 98275
E-mail:
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Phone: 425-438-8100
Website
Map
Are you an aviation nut or maybe you’d like to know more about those big planes they build here? Well, this place was made for you. See the future of powered, winged flight. Digitally design and test your own jet. Ride the XJ5 Flight Simulator and "fly" at supersonic speeds. Woohoo!
For more information and tour times check out www.futureofflight.org/ |
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Issaquah-Snoqualmie-North Bend
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165 S.E. Andrews Street
Issaquah, Washington 98027
Phone: (425) 392-3500
www.issaquahhistory.org/townhall
map
The Gilman Town Hall Museum is located in the original town hall established in the early 1890s, when Issaquah was still called Gilman. Not a large museum, but one chock full of memorabilia—everything from one of Issaquah's original water pipes to a dynamite blaster.
Learn the story of Issaquah's past through hundreds of photographs and artifacts, plus a variety of interactive displays. You can even stop off at the two-cell concrete jail out back—built in 1914 to replace a wooden jail which proved to be inadequate for its rambunctious inmates. This is a great place to find out about the town once called Squak. Check the website for times and admission. |
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Olympia
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106 Eleventh Avenue Southwest
Olympia, WA 98507
360-956-0818
H.O.C.M. Website
Map
If you have kids from infants to 10 years old, this place may be just what the doctor ordered -- place where kids can play and learn at the same time. Visit exhibits like Build It and Working Waterfront, where kids can load a cargo ship, operate a crane, or drive a dump truck. Or if you have a little guy, take him or her to the Tot Spot, a special place for infants and crawlers. Or maybe your guys would be more interested in Back Yard Wilderness area or the Young at Art Studio. This is a place both parents and kids can learn and have fun. |
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University District
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University of Washington
15th Ave NE and NE 41st St
Seattle, WA 98195-1410
Phone: 206 543 2280
www.henryart.org
Free or Donation every Thursday 11am to 8pm
View over 20,500 art objects, including late 19th- and 20th-Century paintings, the extensive Monsen Collection of Photography, a textile and costume collection. But don’t ignore the burgeoning collection of cutting-edge works in new media, now evolving the fulsome Henry offering for the 21st Century.
Café on Premises. |
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Seattle Area & Western Washington Art & Museums
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HYDROPLANE & RACEBOAT MUSEUM
5917 South 196th Street
Kent, WA 98032
206 764 9453
Tue - Thurs: 10am-8pm
Wed - Sat: 10am-4pm
Click Here For Website
Map
This is the nation's only public museum dedicated solely to powerboat racing. When you visit here, you will meet the legendary Hydroplane drivers like Bill Muncey, Ron Musson, Mira Slovak, "Wild" Bill Cantrell. Get a close up view of the completely restored Thunderboats like Miss America VIII (1929,31 Harmsworth winner); Slo-mo-shun IV (1950,52, 53 Gold Cup winner); Slo-mo-shun V (1951, 54 Gold Cup winner); Hawaii Kai III (1958 Gold Cup winner); Miss Thriftway (1961, 62 Gold Cup winner); the legendary "Green Dragon" Miss Bardahl and the 1967 Miss Budweiser. |
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Everett, Washington
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1502 Wall Street
Everett, Washington 98201
425 258-1006
Website
Map
Looking for a place your little guys will enjoy? Well, this place is kiddy heaven. Imagine Children’s Museum is not only a fun place, but a place where children learn while playing and having fun. Can it get any better than that?
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Issaquah-Snoqualmie-North Bend
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50 Rainier Blvd. N.
Issaquah, WA 98027
PH: (425)392-3500
www.issaquahhistory.org/depot
map
The Issaquah Historical Society along with the generous help of the entire community has managed to completely restore the town’s original train depot. This is another great little museum where the visitor gets a first hand feel of how Issaquah came to be.
Visit the Station Master’s office—the most important man in town, back then. Imagine yourself waiting for the train back in the 1890s as you peruse old photos and artifacts, or explore the display of rail cars in the yard. Don’t miss the beautiful mural with a fascinating arraying of the area’s history. Check the www.issaquahhistory.org/depot for times and cost of admission. |
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Redmond/Woodinville
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620 Market Street
Kirkland, WA 98033-5421
425 822-7161
www.kirklandartscenter.org/
Map
The Kirkland Arts Center Gallery fosters regional artist, encourages innovation and creativity, and provides rare opportunities for independent curators. Committed to engaging, accessible contemporary art, the KAC gallery showcases emerging and established artists and examines emerging themes and regional styles. Critically and popularly accalimed, the KAC Gallery is the only free, professional non-profit gallery on the Eastside. |
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Pioneer Square
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map!
319 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
Website
Phone 206 553 7220
Admission: Free
Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm
Klondike Gold Rush Natl. Historical Park is located in the old Cadillac Hotel in Seattle’s Historic District. That’s right, a National Park indoors. The Cadillac was built in 1889 and was a favorite of the adventurers head for the Gold Fields in Alaska and the Yukon. Experience the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush come to life as you tour 20 interactive exhibits winding through this two story museum.
The Pioneer District covers over twenty city blocks, containing thirty plus fine art galleries, two hundred plus unique and independently owned specialty shops, restaurants, and coffee houses.
Visit an art gallery or two, stop at a rug shop and learn about the workmanship that produces these wonderful items, buy a book to remind you of Seattle, stop and refresh yourself with lunch or dinner and a beverage of your choice while learning about the history of that very building.
On every first Thursday evening of the month, from February — December, take a stroll among the art exhibits at the free "Art In The Park" event. Chat up an artist, they are great folks and would love to discuss their particular style of art with you. |
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South Seattle
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9817 55th Avenue S
Seattle, Washington 98118
206 684 4584
Admission: Free
Open everyday sunup to sunset
www.kubota.org/
Map
In 1927 Fujitaro Kubota bought five acres of logged-off swampland in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle and began his garden. Fujitaro's dream was to display the beauty of the Northwest in a Japanese manner. Today, Kubota Gardens is a stunning 20 acre landscape that blends Japanese garden concepts with native Northwest plants. Stroll by streams, waterfalls, ponds, and rock outcroppings in this unique urban refuge. There are two picnic tables, a great deal of lawn area and plenty of parking. |
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Tacoma
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"America's Car Museum"
325 152nd Street East
Tacoma, WA 98445
253.536.2885
www.lemaymuseum.org/
Map
Harold and Nancy LeMay amassed the largest privately owned collection of automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, other vehicles and related memorabilia in the world. At its peak, the LeMay Collection numbered in excess of 3,000 vehicles and thousands of artifacts—listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest privately owned collection in the world; impressive if accomplished by a King, but jaw dropping, awesome when accomplished by a local businessman from Tacoma, Washington.
A new Museum is in the works, but the old one is pretty impressive, with over 350 vintage and specialty automobiles, trucks, fire trucks, busses and related memorabilia. Check the website, www.lemaymuseum.org/, for hours and addmission info. |
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West Seattle & Alki Beach
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3003 61st Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206-543-2280
www.loghousemuseum.org
map
This is where it all started…and nearly ended for Seattle.
Located a block off of Alki Beach, this little museum offers a peek into Seattle’s maritime history and the history of West Seattle. Get an idea of how and where Seattle’s founding families lived. The Log House Museum was authentically restored in 1904 and is surrounded by a Pacific Northwest native plant garden. Make this a part of your visit to West Seattle and Alki. |
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South Seattle
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Boeing Field
9404 East Marginal Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108-4097
Phone 206 764 5720
Free Parking
Free 1st Thursday evenings 5pm to 9pm
Café on Premise
www.museumofflight.org
Map
The Museum of Flight's collection of aerospace artifacts is the largest and most comprehensive in the western United States. Test the controls in the cockpit of the world's fastest jet, dock with the Hubble Space Telescope; take a turn in the X-Pilot full-motion simulator, and a lot more. Don’t forget to check out the Hall of Heroes. And it’s all just ten minutes from downtown Seattle. |
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Tacoma
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map
1801 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 396-1768
website
The Museum of Glass, brainchild of Tacoma’s own internationally renown glass artist, Dale Chihuly, celebrates the dramatic new Studio Glass movement, while nurturing and encouraging creativity of area artists. There are three galleries in the Museum that show changing contemporary art exhibitions. Visitors especially enjoy the several indoor and outdoor installations, but one of the biggest draws is the Hot Shop where you can see live glassmaking.

The Hot Shop Amphitheater, housed in an imposing 90-foot-tall stainless steel cone, includes a hot glass studio, cold glass studio and accommodates over 200 visitors. The cone itself is 100 feet in diameter at its base, narrowing to a 15-foot opening at the top. Molten glass is kept in 2 large furnaces, each holding 1,000-pounds of glass and reaching temperatures up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another not to miss experience is the The Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot-long pedestrian bridge that links the museum with downtown Tacoma. As you stroll across the bridge you will pass through (or should I say under) The Seaform Pavilion; this is some 2,364 objects from Chihuly's Seaform and Persian series placed on top of a 50-by-20 foot plate-glass ceiling. At bridge’s center you encounter the Crystal Towers, each rising 40 dramatic feet above the bridge deck and made of 63 large Chihuly-made crystals. Visitors are always breathless at the Venetian Wall, an 80-foot installation displaying 109 Chihuly sculptures—one of the largest blown-glass works executed in the history of the medium. |
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Seattle Area & Western Washington Art & Museums
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MOHAI MUSEUM OF
HISTORY & INDUSTRY
2700 24th Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 324-1125
MOHAI website
Map
First Thursdays Free
The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), located in the Montlake neighborhood of Seattle, is "dedicated to enriching lives by preserving, sharing and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region." This is a great museum for kids and adults alike. Check out the MOHAI website MOHAI website for times, fees, events & exhibits on display. |
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Ballard
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3014 NW 67th Street
Seattle, WA 98117
Phone 206 789 5707
www.nordicmuseum.org
map
Admission $6 and under Parking Free
Free all day on the 1st Tuesday of each month 10: am to 4: pm
Relive the Dream of America that brought the Scandinavian immigrants west to Seattle as you visit Iceland Room, Norway Room, Denmark Room, Finland Room, and Sweden Room in Seattle’s Nordic district of Ballard. Only minutes from Downtown Seattle. |
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South Seattle
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2300 S. Massachusetts Street
Seattle, WA 98144
Phone 206 518 6000
FREE to all 1st Thursday of each month
Café & Museum Store on premise
http://naamnw.org/
Map
The long awaited Northwest African American Museum, opened March 8th 2008 with much fanfare and a star-studded, music filled celebration. Beginning in 1981, the battle to save Coleman School (the sought after home for the museum) from the wrecking ball was a tortuous journey for both supporters and community alike. However, now with the museum as part the Urban League Village, the plans for the development and expansion into a living historical and culture center are now well on their way.
The Museum’s galleries will provide for long term and short term exhibits to show case through visual arts, music, crafts, literature, photos and artifacts the history of the Black American pioneers who settled the Pacific Northwest. The story of the Black American in the Pacific Northwest, both past and present, is one to be told, studied and appreciated by all who live or visit here. This is a museum is one to visit often and watch grow. |
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Issaquah-Snoqualmie-North Bend
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The museum is located in Snoqualmie, WA
(425) 888-3030
The museum is open 10am to 5 pm 7 days a week but Closed on Holidays.
Admission: FREE
The Snoqualmie Valley Railroad itself operates on Saturdays & Sundays Plus Special Events.
Click Here for Train Schedules & Fares
For More Information
Directions & Maps
to Museum Locations
Snoqualmie/North Bend Map
This is a great find for Train Enthusiasts as well as families with children. Throw Whistle Stop Birthday Party or just enjoy a little bit of history and the ride. |
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South Lake Union
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1002 Valley Street
Seattle, WA 98109-4468
(206)447-9800
www.nwseaport.org
map
If you like Maritime history (of Puget Sound) and getting a close up look at some of the boats that were a part of that history, told to you by folks in the know, then Northwest Seaport is for you. Some of the “Old Timers” you’ll get a close up look at are: Fireboat Duwamish, Tugboat Arthur Foss, Lightboat Swiftsure, previously known as Relief, "Mosquito Fleet" steamer Virginia V and the Schooner Wawona.
There is something here that will appeal to all ages and it doesn’t all happen at night or just in the summer. All year long there are concerts and Sea Chantey sing alongs (Sea Chantey Nights are free or donations). Check for prices schedules and times at www.nwseaport.org. If you have young ones in tow (ages 2-5), be sure to check out Story Hour aboard the Arthur Foss every second and fourth Thursdays each month @ 11: a.m. These are stories about boats, kids and the sea. Plus the kids get a close look at the 100 year old tug. It’s free or donations are gladly accepted. |
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Waterfront
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2901 Western Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone 206 654 3100
Open and free 365 days a year!
Café in the PACCAR Pavilion
www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/osp/
map
Experience the variety of 21 sculpture’s by internationally acclaimed artists in an outdoor setting, while enjoying the breathtaking views and beauty of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. And it’s all Free. |
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Seattle Center
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map
Phone 206 443 2001
www.pacsci.org/
Pacific Science Center is located under the arches near the Space Needle. Daytime entrances are on Denny Way and the main entrance and Will Call are located facing Seattle Center to the north. This is also the only evening entrance.
Open Daily 10: a.m. to 6: p.m.
There is something here for everyone; whether it be a movie on a screen six stories high and 80 feet long, or a butterfly exhibit. Visit two Imax theaters, state of the art laser shows and oodles of great exhibits. See science in action; dazzling experiments and live animals, teach interactive lessons that educate and enthuse! Check at information desk for a list of the daily demonstrations and show times. This is for kids of all ages. |
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Bellevue
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1116 108th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 455-1116
www.dollart.com
map
This place is incredible! Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art houses one of the world's foremost doll collections – over 3000 dolls on display (as well as for sale)—over 1200 dolls on permanent display. Since opening in 1992, this unique Museum has received many awards, including the prestigious Jumeau Trophy for Best Private Doll Museum in the World, won in Paris in 1994.
The whole family will enjoy a stroll through this elegantly designed modern structure surrounded by dolls, teddy bears, toys, dollhouses, miniatures and other childhood memorabilia. Childhood memories will be awakened, while new memories are being stored away. |
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Downtown
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SAM
1300 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone 206 654 3100
www.seattleartmuseum.org/
Downtown map
Free to all 1st Thursday of each month open until 9pm
Free to seniors 1st Friday of each month
Ogle the 48-foot high Hammering Man Sculpture at the door of the region's premier art museum! Gallery space has recently been expanded by 70%, allowing for a substantial increase in exhibits. Tour an impressive collection of more than 21,000 art objects, from Old Masters paintings to African masks. A magnificent collection of collections. Restaurant on premises. |
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Capitol Hill
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Located in Volunteer Park
map
seattleasianartmuseum.org
1400 E Prospect Street
Seattle, WA 98112–3303
Phone: 206 654 3100
Free Parking
Free 1st Thursday and 1st Saturday of each month.
Free to Seniors 1st Friday each month
For those interested in the historical study of the development, over the centuries and down through the various dynasties, of bronze, stoneware, porcelain, ceramics, pottery and the like, a stroll through the Seattle Asian Art Museum is like a walk back through time. These items comprise only one of many wonderful Asian art exhibits available for your enjoyment. There are also world-renowned collections of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, East Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan art. There are approximately 23,000 art objects on display -- the Bearded-One was fascinated by the statue of the Monk at the Moment of Enlightenment. Café on Premise |
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Downtown
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2227 5th Ave
Seattle WA 98121
Phone 206 448 2181
www.seattleglassblowing.com
Bell Town map
Hours Open Everyday 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free
Seattle Glassblowing Studio is not just an art studio that produces beautiful works of art and lovely functional pieces like sinks and lamps, but also provides classes and training to the next generation of glass artists. Visit the gallery and hotshop between Bell and Blanchard St. on 5th Ave, under the monorail. Come watch live glassblowing 7 days a week. |
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Belltown
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2227 5th Ave
Seattle WA 98121
Phone 206 448 2181
www.seattleglassblowing.com
map
Hours Open Everyday 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free
Seattle Glassblowing Studio is not just an art studio that produces beautiful works of art and lovely functional pieces like sinks and lamps. The Studio also provides classes and training to the next generation of glass artists. Visit the gallery and hotshop between Bell and Blanchard St. on 5th Ave, under the Monorail. Come watch live glassblowing 7 days a week!
The Seattle Glass Gallery (a satellite) is located at:
2200 Westlake
Seattle WA
206-708-6711
2200 building in South Lake Union on the corner of 9th Avenue and Westlake Avenue, right around the corner from Whole Foods. |
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Capitol Hill
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map
623 Broadway Ave E
Seattle, WA98102
Phone 206 328 6499
www.seattlechatclub.org
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10: a.m. - Noon Fri: Noon - 8:30 p.m. Sat: Noon – 10: p.m. (Lock-in 10: p. m. - midnight) Sun: 1: p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Because Seattle Museum of the Mysteries is volunteer based, we suggest you call before visiting. Most events are on weekends.
Admission: A small donation (check the web-site)
If you are into ghosts and things that go bump in the night… or the unexplained… Sasquatch, UFOs, and Crop Circles, then you must stop by the Seattle Museum of the Mysteries. It is a paranormal science museum with exhibits, an extensive library and a cultural center exploring the legends, lore, UFO history, Bigfoot and haunted locations of the Northwest. Seattle Museum of the Mysteries is also the home of the Capital Hill Ghost Tour, an easy walking tour of Seattle's most historically haunted locations, famous ghosts (their history), Lake View Cemetery the resting spot for Seattle's pioneers and the graves of Bruce & Brandon Lee and a review of Capitol Hill's prohibition history. Or, Take part in the popular Mystery Museum Lock In! (Play Poker with a Ghost). Or, Meet Chantelle, a Clairsentient who has an ability to communicate with those on the other side. Some people say Chantelle is Seattle's scariest lady. Check the web-site schedule for upcoming events and scheduled speakers, they are to numerous to list here. |
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Seattle Center
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325 Fifth Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone 206 724 3428
www.empsfm.org/
This is an absolute must for devoted fans of Science Fiction. It’s packed full of actual props and costumes from Star Trek, Star Wars, Alien, Dr. Who, and Terminator. Robots, jet packs, space suits, ray guns, it's all here. |
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Seattle Area & Western Washington Art & Museums
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1701 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
253.272.4258
www.tacomaartmuseum.org/
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The Tacoma Art Museum’s rich collection contains more than 3,400 works, with an emphasis on art by Northwest artists and key holdings in nineteenth-century European and twentieth-century American art.
The museum presents works of art to achieve a dynamic balance of exhibitions from historic to contemporary periods, presenting 10 to 15 imaginatively paired exhibitions, always placing Northwest artists beside a continuum of historically-important artists. Exhibits include Studio Glass work, Studio Art Jewelry, Works on Paper (over 1900 prints), Japanese Woodblock Prints, and European Painting and Sculpture. Admission is free on Third Thursdays. Check at www.tacomaartmuseum.org/ for all other times and admission prices. |
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Tacoma
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1701 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
253.272.4258
website
The Tacoma Art Museum’s rich collection contains more than 3,400 works, with an emphasis on art by Northwest artists and key holdings in nineteenth-century European and twentieth-century American art.
The museum presents works of art to achieve a dynamic balance of exhibitions from historic to contemporary periods, presenting 10 to 15 imaginatively paired exhibitions, always placing Northwest artists beside a continuum of historically-important artists. Exhibits include Studio Glass work, Studio Art Jewelry, Works on Paper (over 1900 prints), Japanese Woodblock Prints, and European Painting and Sculpture. Admission is free on Third Thursdays. Check the website for all other times and admission prices. |
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Bellevue
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Bellevue Arts Museum and
The Bellevue Collection
(425) 519-0770
The Last full weekend in July
Fri, Sat: 9:30 am - 9:30 pm // Sun: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Admission: Free
www.bellevuearts.org/fair
map
The ArtsFair is the largest and most distinguished arts event in the Northwest. In 2007, 350,000 people attended the Fair. Over 300 juried artists from the Northwest and throughout the nation exhibited creations in an extensive range of media including ceramics, drawing/pastels, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal work, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wearables and wood.
The Celebrations Art Stage, hosts entertainment throughout the day including juggling acts, clowns and around the world music. And you don’t want to miss out on the live jazz performances Friday and Saturday evenings.
Kidsfair provides hands-on activities including painting, drawing and art projects galore! One activity, Chalk It Up! gives kids and parents get a chance to create their very own chalk masterpieces.
The Arts in Action Demonstration Stage is where talented artists demonstrate woodturning, glass blowing, painting, ceramics and much, much more!
High School Art Expo, added to the fair program in 2008, is an exhibit of the fantastic works of highly talented and award-winning student artists. |
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Seattle Center
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First Level of Center House
Phone 206 441 1768
www.thechildrensmuseum.org/
Mon thru Fri 10am to 5pm Sat and Sun 10: a.m. to 6: p.m.

The Children’s Museum is an environment just for children, toddlers through 10, and their families. Every exhibit is interactive, which not only allows but encourages child-sized hands on exploration. Climb a mountain, jump into a marmot hole, build something bigger than you are. The Museum features 11 permanent exhibits, an art studio, two education classrooms, a temporary traveling exhibit gallery, a story telling circle and resource library. |
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Chinatown/International District (The ID)
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719 South King Street
Phone 206 623 5124
www.wingluke.org
map!
Admission: $4 and under
Free on 1st Thurs and 3rd Sat of each month
The old China Town, located in Pioneer Square, lasted until 1910 when a group of Chinese businessmen bankrolled a pair of buildings that would become the center of the new Chinese community now called the International District. This pair of four story buildings afforded the community with hotels containing retail space on the ground level.
One of these buildings, the East Kong Yick building has now been reborn into the new home of the Wing Luke Asian Museum. Moving the museum to its new location has been a community dream and goal for over some ten years. The Asian Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) represented by the museum constitutes the history of hope, struggle, sorrow, and success of the people from over forty Pacific Rim countries. The museum provides guided tours that are both soulful and educational.
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Capitol Hill
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1400 E Galer St
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 684-4743
www.volunteerpark.com
Hours: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Free
Volunteer Park was acquired by the city of Seattle for $2,000 in 1876 and In 1885 designated a cemetery, but two years later named "Lake View Park." In 1901, it was renamed "Volunteer Park" to honor the volunteers who served in the Spanish-American War. The park includes a conservatory, completed in 1912; a water tower with an observation deck; a fenced-off reservoir; the Seattle Asian Art Museum (a designated city landmark[2]); a statue of William H. Seward; and a sculpture, Black Sun, by Isamu Noguchi, as well as several meadows and picnic tables. The wading pool is operational in the summer months and operated daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
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Capitol Hill
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Located in Volunteer Park map
www.volunteerparkconservatory.org/
1400 E. Galer Street
Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: 206 684 4743 or 206 322 4112
Admission: Free or Donations
The Victorian style 6,200 square foot glass-house was built in 1912 and is divided into five houses representing five distinct environments, from jungle to desert. Visit the Bromeliad House, the Palm House, the Fern House, the Cactus House, and the Seasonal Display House. Enjoy one of the largest public orchid collections in the country and an equally impressive extensive bromeliad collection. A favorite with visitors of all ages is the Cactus House. |
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Tacoma
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1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
1-888-238-4373
website

Take a trip through Washington State’s history. It might be a lot more interesting than you think. Through the Museum’s diverse exhibits, view the people who lived here first, before explorers came from East and West. Meet the settlers who followed, and those who built the cities, railroads and industries. And of course, the folks who made it all run.

Ride a covered wagon, explore a coal mine, take a video trip down the Columbia River, walk through a traditional Southern Coast Salish plank house, visit a Seattle Hooverville shack and listen in as Mac and Leon discuss the Depression.
Colorful, interactive exhibits and walk-through dioramas depict the natural setting, the lifestyle and culture of the various inhabitants, exploration and settlement of the region, and important people and milestone events that shaped our state. Thirty-five different human sculptures share their stories through interactive audio, and video programs describing life as a "timber beast," a railroad worker, a fisherman on the Columbia River. Six touch-screen Electronic Journals add depth to the ideas and stories presented throughout the Museum. Block out plenty of time, for this is a big place with a lot to see. On Thursdays from 5pm-8pm admission is free. Check the website for all other times and cost of admission. |
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Tacoma
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33663 Weyerhaeuser Way S.
Federal Way, WA 98003 253 924 5206 ext. 5206
1 800 525 5440 ext. 5206
Admission Free
Free Parking
www.weyerhaeuser.com/Company/Bonsai
Map
One of the major cultural attractions in the Puget Sound region, Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection is regarded as one of the top bonsai museums in the United States. Take a guided tour or just stroll through this forest of 100 exquisite Bonsai trees and it’s just 26 miles from downtown Seattle. Be sure to call ahead or check the website, for opening and closing hours. |
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Seattle Area & Western Washington Art & Museums
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OLD CITY HALL
121 Prospect Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
LIGHTCATCHER
250 Flora Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
SYRE EDUCATION CENTER
PHOTO ARCHIVES
201 Prospect Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Click Here for Hours and Admission Map
Bellingham's newest attraction, the Whatcom Museum, joins the Seattle Art Museum and Tacoma's Glass Museum as “must see” of art fans far and wide. The Museum occupies three distinctive and historically significant buildings in downtown Bellingham's cultural district: THE LIGHTCATCHER, named for its focal point and most innovative feature — a spectacular, translucent wall 37 feet high and 180 feet long, that captures the Northwest’s most precious natural resource, sunlight, by day and illuminates interior lights by night, a constant glow hovering over downtown. OLD CITY HALL, home to Whatcom Museum since 1941, which will now house both temporary and permanent history exhibitions. THE SYRE EDUCATION CENTER now home to a classroom space and permanent historical exhibits for group tours and school field trips.
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Waterfront
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Seattle Waterfront
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1001 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone 206 682 5844
www.yeoldecuriosityshop.com/
Open 7 days a week summer 9am to 9:30pm winter 10am to 6pm Fri and Sat 9am to 9pm
Admission: Free

Visit Seattle’s world famous Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. Famous for its sideshow like museum, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop also offers a wide array of Northwest native art, imported arts and crafts from around the world, as well as Seattle and Washington State souvenirs and memorabilia. Whether your interests lie in mummies, shrunken heads, rare and exotic artifacts, Northwest Native totemic art, Russian and other folk art, novelties and gags, jewelry and collectibles you’ll find it here! And they’ve been doing it for over 100 years. |
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