Seattle is more than just a city for outdoor enthusiasts. Its diverse museums have helped it earn its reputation as a cultural hub. Here, you’ll find every type of museum under the sun: art, history, pop culture and more.
When planning things to do in Seattle, be sure to grab your notepad and sense of curiosity as we take you to the best art galleries, the best science museums, and the best historical museums in Seattle.
Art Museums in Seattle
Featuring rare collections and well-known masterpieces, these art museums in Seattle will educate, inspire, and captivate—turning every visit into an exploration of self and humanity.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
The Seattle Art Museum (or SAM) is one institution across three distinct buildings and museums: the main museum resides in downtown Seattle, the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the Seattle waterfront.
Together, these locations house an impressive collection of 25,000 artworks, making it a top highlight among things to do in Seattle.
Established in 1933, SAM is a celebration of all things Seattle, and its collections reflect as much—a crossroads where the eastern and western worlds meet and where urban settings and natural landscapes hold space.
Through its collections and programs, SAM builds bridges across time and space, fostering connections between people, places, and ideas.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition brightens the Seattle Center with its mesmerizing glass structures and sculptures. This long-term exhibition features the works of Dale Chihuly, a Tacoma native whose works are exhibited in over 200 museums worldwide.
Just steps from the iconic Space Needle, the exhibition spans eight galleries. The highlight is The Glasshouse, an architectural masterpiece featuring Chihuly’s largest sculpture, suspended from the ceiling high. Over 100 ft. in size, its fiery red, orange, and yellow hues leave an indelible impression on all who see it.
Frye Art Museum
Frye Art Museum is an enriching blend of mix of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century paintings and sculptures that were gifted by its founders, Charles and Emma Frye.
In addition to its extensive collection of display, the museum supports the local Seattle community by hosting numerous exhibitions, programs, and other initiatives from local artists.
If you’re looking to see some remarkable works for free, this museum is worth a visit.
History and Heritage Museums
Take a trip back in time exploring these historic and heritage museums in Seattle.
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Head to the Museum of History & Industry for a unique perspective on Seattle’s industrial and cultural heritage. This privately-run institution was founded on the mission of highlighting the region's innovation in all its various forms.
Within its walls, you’ll encounter nearly four million artifacts, photographs, and archival materials—earning it the distinct honor of being the largest private heritage organization in Washington State.
With its rotating exhibits and permanent collections, you’re sure to learn a thing or two here. Be sure to drop by and check out these exhibits:
The Bezos Center for Innovation: A look at Seattle, a city of inventors and innovators, and its role in bringing some of the world’s most cutting-edge concepts to life.
Maritime Seattle: An exploration of Seattle’s waterfront—be sure to check out the stunning views of Lake Union.
True Northwest: The Seattle Journey: An exhibit detailing the journey Seattle has taken to becoming a global hub of tech activity.
At this museum, you’re sure to learn a thing or two—maybe you’ll even get inspired to bring your own big idea to life.
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, located in the Pioneer Square Historic District (just look for the Cadillac Hotel neon sign), is a museum that teaches visitors about Seattle’s heritage and involvement in the Klondike Gold Rush through educational videos and interactive exhibits.
If you’re looking to teach your children about American history, this is a great place to visit. Admission is free, and the learning is endless.
National Nordic Museum
Located in Ballard, the National Nordic Museum is an institution dedicated to preserving the history of Nordic and Scandinavian immigrants to Seattle.
Here, you’ll find artwork and artifacts sourced from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Finland. Inside, over 80,000 artworks and artifacts are spread over two floors—the first floor is where the museum’s permanent collection lives, and the second typically features rotating exhibits.
The footprint of Nordic immigrants can be felt in Seattle—this is a fantastic place to learn about the communities that have called this city home for decades.
Science and Technology Museums
Explore worlds of innovation and discovery at these science and technology museums in Seattle.
Museum of Flight
AV geeks, this one’s for you. The Museum of Flight is an aerospace museum with over 175 aircraft and spacecraft on display. If you’re fascinated by aviation history and passionate about air and space exploration, touring this museum is a must.
In addition to numerous events and exhibits about aviation, one of its main draws is that it houses the first jet Air Force One, famous for shuttling the President from destination to destination. You can get an up-close look at the plane at this museum.
Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is a learning center with interactive exhibits covering a range of topics, including health, space, and natural history. Perfect for visitors of all ages, it features fun things to do with family in Seattle, IMAX theaters and a state-of-the-art planetarium—you're sure to find something here that sparks your curiosity, no matter what.
Whether you're marveling at the wonders of the cosmos or learning about the complexities of the human body, the Pacific Science Center is educational and enriching.
Pop Culture and Special Interest Museums
Discover the unconventional, the nostalgic, and the extraordinary at these pop culture and special interest museums.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a fascinating look at the people and media that have shaped our lives. Inside this Frank Gehry-designed building, you’ll learn about music, science fiction, and pop culture in all its many forms—learn about Jimi Hendrix, Frank Gehry, Nirvana, Star Wars movies, and more all under one room.
MoPOP was founded in the year 2000 by Paul Allen—the co-founder of Microsoft—as the Experience Music Project. In 2016, it underwent a rebrand and became the institution it’s known as today.
In addition to its vast permanent collection, MoPOP hosts annual events, partnering with the Seattle International Film Festival for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Film Festival every winter.
Seattle Pinball Museum
Head to the Seattle Pinball Museum for some hands-on fun. It isn’t every day you visit a museum that encourages you to touch the art. But here, not only is it welcomed—it’s encouraged! Over 50 playable pinball machines reside inside this museum.
From interactive exhibits to vintage games, mid-century artifacts to modern editions, we’ve no doubt that your whole family will love it here. Game on.
Family-Friendly and Children’s Museums
Spark curiosity and create lasting memories at these family-friendly and children’s museums.
Seattle Children's Museum
The Seattle Children’s Museum is a family-friendly favorite, featuring a host of interactive exhibits for kids. Founded in 1979, the museum makes learning fun. Whether the kids prefer participating in hands-on activities, or taking part in the museum’s many educational programs, the Seattle Children’s Museum doesn’t disappoint.
Unique and Niche Museums in Seattle
Unique, one-of-a-kind, and only in Seattle.
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is the natural history museum located at the University of Washington, overseen by the University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences.
Founded way back in 1899, the museum is the oldest in the state of features an extensive collection of artifacts and specimens—over 16 million, in fact—across various disciplines including anthropology, biology, and geology. Fun fact: The museum’s ornithology division boasts the world’s largest collection of spread bird wings.
Seasonal and Special Exhibitions in Seattle Museums
Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art, historical pieces, or cultural exhibitions, there’s always something to spark your imagination at Seattle museums.
Current and Upcoming Exhibits at Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
The Seattle Art Museum houses a vast collection of work, ranging from painting, sculpture, ceramics, and decorative arts. From antiquated pieces to contemporary visuals, there’s over 25,000 unique pieces to take in and explore while here.
Learn about American history as you explore its aisles of American art. Learn about ancient societies through the museum’s Ancient Mediterranean Art collection. And take a trip around the world, discovering different cultures through art: here, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Islamic Art, Oceanic Art, African Art, and European Art, all under one roof.
And that’s just a taste of what you can expect to find here. The Seattle Art Museum also houses an extensive contemporary and modern art collection along with special exhibits.
For more of what’s on at SAM, visit the Seattle Art Museum’s website. You'll find everything there.
Special Exhibits at MoPOP
MoPOP (the museum of Museum of Pop Culture)’s special exhibits will take everything you know about a museum and turn it on its head. Previous exhibits have included a retrospective on the Seattle grunge music scene that birthed the likes of Nirvana, video games, and sci-fi movies. No matter what’s on at the museum, it’s sure to inspire and entertain—like pop culture should.
Practical Information for Visiting Seattle Museums
Our top tips for navigating Seattle museums with ease.
Free Admission Days and Discounts
Seattle’s museums are more than just educational, they’re accessible. Many offers free admission days, especially for students. For example, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) provides free entry on the first Thursday of every month, making it the perfect time to explore its impressive collections.
Museum Accessibility and Family Amenities
Seattle museums are designed to be inclusive and welcoming for all visitors. Many locations offer family-friendly facilities like stroller-friendly pathways, nursing rooms, and hands-on activities for kids. Many of these sites are wheelchair-accessible too.
Location and Transportation Tips
Many Seattle museums are conveniently located downtown or near popular landmarks. Public transit options, like buses and the light rail, are excellent choices if you want to avoid traffic. There are numerous parking garages and street parking options nearby. Some museums outside of the downtown core even boast their own parking lots.
Explore Seattle's Rich Museum Landscape
Seattle’s many museums are inclusive and inviting spaces. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or history buff, a budding scientist or a pop culture lover, there’s something for you to explore in the city's many buildings.
While you’re at it, come experience art of another kind: Check out our shows in Seattle find yourself equally captivated, enthralled, and amazed by our circus performances. Though our kind of artwork may not be on display in a museum, it’s a magical experience nonetheless, one that will transport you to another world and move you through its storytelling. Like good art should.