Museums
Seattle Art Museum
In addition to extensive permanent collections, SAM hosts major exhibitions on a regular basis. Admission is free the first Thursday of every month, and although there is a suggested admission rate at other times, it is offered as pay-what-you-can.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Former home of SAM itself prior to the main museum moving to its current downtown location, this historic art deco building opened in 1933 and now houses SAM’s Asian art collection. A short walk from the mansion in Volunteer Park.
Museum of Pop
Paul Allen goes a little nuts and enlists Frank Gehry to design a shack for his guitar collection and Hendrix memorabilia. Located at the Seattle Center and also home to:
Pacific Science Center
Another Seattle Center institution dating back to the ’62 World’s Fair, and home to not one but two IMAX theaters.
Seattle Children’s Museum
Also at the Center, best suited for the toddler to 10 set and their parents.
Northwest African American Museum
This museum is located in the Urban League Village at Colman School and next to the Jimmy Hendrix park.
Wing Luke Asian Museum
A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, this is the premier pan-Asian Pacific American museum in the country.
Henry Art Gallery
Located at the University of Washington, this contemporary art center features innovative programming, public education, diverse film and lecture series and exhibitions.
Burke Museum
Another UW institution, focusing on the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest.
Museum of History and Industry
MOHAI is the best and most fun place to learn about Seattle’s past. It’s also the final resting place of Bobo, a much-loved iconic gorilla from the Woodland Park Zoo, and the original “R” from the Rainier Brewing Company.
Frye Museum
Focuses on representational art, so if you wouldn’t know a Pollock from a pollock, and what’s more wouldn’t care, this may just be for you. Admission free.