Explore Seattle’s Top Museums
Seattle may be known for its stunning Pacific Northwest views, but the city is also home to a fantastic collection of museums. Whether you’re a 75-year-old Picasso enthusiast or an eight-year-old dinosaur lover, the Seattle-area has you covered.
Seattle Art Museum
Address: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Phone: +1 206-654-3100
The Puget Sound’s most prestigious museum, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) received a major overhaul in 2007, expanding its space by 70 percent and adding over $1 billion in new art to the collection. SAM has a steady stream of special exhibitions that offer repeat visitors something new each time. The exhibitions have included everything from African masks to Impressionism and a variety of permanent exhibitions from around the world. Therefore, if the museum’s cost of admission is too high, then consider visiting on one of the free days.
Free days: First Thursdays free to all. First Fridays free to seniors. Second Friday 5-9 p.m. free to teens (ages 13-17).
Museum of Flight
Address: Seattle, WA 98108-4097, USA
Phone: +1 206-764-5700
The Puget Sound is one of the nation’s aerospace capitals; consequently, it has one of the world’s best air and space museums. The Museum of Flight boasts over 80 aircraft, including the first 747, a retired Air Force One, a Concorde supersonic airliner, alongside a variety of aircraft from the First and Second World Wars. Moreover, there is a theater that showcases engaging short performances about aviation history.
Free day: First Thursday 5-9 p.m. free to all.
Pacific Science Center
Address: 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Phone: +1 206-443-2001
A remnant of the 1962 World’s Fair, the Pacific Science Center is a beloved institution in this high-tech town. The museum has been continuously redesigned to reflect new scientific knowledge and engage visitors of all ages. The highlights include animatronic dinosaurs, a giant insect village, and a science playground. Moreover, there are two IMAX theaters and regular special exhibits that often feature the coolest installations Seattle has to offer, like the King Tut exhibit.
Where: Seattle Center
Free day: No free days.
Burke Museum
Address: 4303 Memorial Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Phone: +1 206-543-7907
This natural history museum on the UW campus is the state’s oldest museum and offers an excellent opportunity to see real dinosaur fossils. The Burke Museum features fascinating biological and cultural history, alongside rotating special exhibits that keep the experience fresh.
Free day: First Thursdays free to all.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)
Address: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Phone: +1 206-770-2700
MoPop (formerly the EMP Museum) has had a tumultuous history, opening in 2000 to great fanfare yet facing backlash over its unorthodox architecture and the concept of a high-tech rock museum. It has undergone name changes, but MoPop has pushed boundaries as a museum, heavily relying on interactive technology in its exhibits, which have excited some while frustrating others. In 2004, the museum expanded to include the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Today, the two museums are united under joint admission, moving beyond music history to encompass overall pop culture.
Where: Seattle Center
Free day: First Thursdays 5-8 p.m. free to all.
Henry Art Gallery
Address: 15th Ave NE & University of Washington, NE 41st St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Phone: +1 206-543-2280
The Henry may not be Seattle’s biggest art museum, but it is definitely the most adventurous. This gallery on UW’s campus frequently features changing exhibitions of contemporary art, ensuring a fresh experience on every visit.
Free day: First Thursdays free to all.
Frye Art Museum
Address: 704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
Phone: +1 206-622-9250
Frugal art lovers should consider Seattle’s Frye Art Museum, which is entirely free. Not only is it a delightful museum, but it also showcases a wonderful permanent collection of paintings and sculptures from the 19th century to contemporary works.
Where: First Hill, Seattle
How much: Free
