Seattle museums are an excellent way to explore the city’s rich history, culture and art. From world-class exhibits to interactive displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular museums in Seattle:
The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, and is located at the southern end of King County International Airport (Boeing Field). The museum’s collection includes more than 160 aircraft and spacecraft, from the first fighter plane to the latest commercial jet, as well as thousands of artifacts, photographs, and archival materials. The museum’s main galleries include the Great Gallery, which features a collection of commercial and military aircraft, the Red Barn, the original manufacturing facility of The Boeing Company, and the Personal Courage Wing, which honors those who have served in the military. The museum also features several special exhibitions throughout the year, including the space shuttle trainer and the NASA’s full-motion flight simulator. Guided tours are available, and the museum also offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a major art museum located in downtown Seattle. The museum’s collection includes over 25,000 works of art from around the world, spanning from ancient to contemporary art. The museum’s main collection is housed in three buildings: the Seattle Art Museum, the Asian Art Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. The SAM collection includes American, African, and Oceanic art, European painting and sculpture, and contemporary art. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year, featuring works from renowned artists and traveling exhibits. The museum offers a variety of tours, including general admission tours, collection highlights tours, and special exhibition tours.
The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is located on the south shore of Lake Union in Seattle. The museum’s collection tells the story of Seattle and the Puget Sound region, from the city’s founding to the present day. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and archival materials that showcase Seattle’s history, including the Klondike Gold Rush, the 1962 World’s Fair, and the development of the city’s industries, such as aviation and technology. MOHAI also offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Guided tours are available, and visitors can also take a self-guided audio tour of the museum.
The Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum located in the Seattle Center that showcases the works of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The museum features a permanent collection of Chihuly’s works, including his iconic glass sculptures and installations. The museum’s exhibits include the Garden, a lush indoor garden featuring a variety of Chihuly’s glass sculptures, the Glasshouse, a 40-foot-tall glass and steel structure that houses a 100-foot-long sculpture, and the Interior Exhibitions, which feature a rotating selection of Chihuly’s works. The museum also offers a variety of tours, including general admission, garden-only, and special exhibition tours.
These are just a few of the many museums in Seattle that are worth visiting. Each one offers a unique perspective on the city’s history, culture, and art, and are a great way to explore and learn more about the city. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for something fun to do,Seattle’s museums are sure to have something for you.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum
The Seattle Asian Art Museum, a part of the Seattle Art Museum, is located in Volunteer Park, and features a collection of over 13,000 works of art from across Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas. The museum’s collection includes ancient and contemporary art, and the galleries are organized by geography and medium, allowing visitors to explore the art and culture of different regions of Asia. The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from renowned Asian artists. Guided tours are available, and the museum also offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The Henry Art Gallery
The Henry Art Gallery is the oldest art museum in the state of Washington and is located on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. The museum’s collection includes over 25,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary. The museum’s collection focuses on contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on Pacific Northwest artists. The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from renowned artists from around the world. Guided tours are available, and the museum also offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is located on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. The museum’s collection includes over 16 million artifacts and specimens, including fossils, minerals, and cultural artifacts from around the world. The museum’s exhibits include the Pacific Voices exhibit, which explores the cultures and histories of the Pacific Northwest’s first peoples, the Living Lenses exhibit, which explores the natural history of the Pacific Northwest, and the Dinosaurs and Fossils exhibit, which features fossils of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. Guided tours are available, and the museum also offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
These are just a few of the many museums in Seattle that are worth visiting. Each one offers a unique perspective on the city’s history, culture, and art, and are a great way to explore and learn more about the city. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for something fun to do, Seattle’s museums are sure to have something for you.
