The Longest Running Established Art Walk In The Nation:
Since the early 1960s, Pioneer Square has provided a haven for Seattles artistic community, housing esteemed galleries, innovative exhibition spaces, and working artist studios alike. Today, Pioneer Square is the center of Seattles art scene, exhibiting the depth and range of the vibrant Pacific Northwest arts community, all within one square mile.
Did you know First Thursday in Pioneer Square was the very first Art Walk in the USA? In 1981, a group of visionary Pioneer Square art dealers printed the first walking maps and painted footprints on the sidewalks outside leading to their galleries. On the first Thursday of the month, they collectively encouraged arts patrons to come and tour each of the Pioneer Square galleries in the spirit of having a community event. First Thursday soon evolved into the popular gathering that it is today, becoming the preeminent night to debut, celebrate, and share art with the greater public. Every first Thursday of the month, Seattles historic Pioneer Square neighborhood welcomes you to join us to continue this venerated tradition with exceptional artists, innovative works, and creative kinship.
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How Many Museums Are In Seattle
There are over 40 museums in Seattle.
Now you know just where to go to get your museum fix when you visit Seattle! If you want to see even more fabulous museums, check out other Washington cities like Tacoma, which also has tons of worthwhile museums.
I hope Ive helped you find some of the best museums in Seattle for your visit!
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What Days Are Museums Free In Seattle
Museums offer free admission on the first Thursday of every month, also known as the most awesome day of the month. The Museum of History, Industry, Burke Museum, and National Nordic Museum are just a few of the locations on this list. Most places require you to reserve your tickets in advance.
The museums and galleries in Seattle take great care of their exhibits and are free. Its always a good idea to double-check to see if the location is open and free, as the times and days vary from location to location. The Longhouse and Cultural Center in Duwamish is a fantastic place to learn about the Pacific Northwests rich culture and to see where the regions history has taken us. In Seattle, the first free museum was established at the Frye Museum. Learn about Seattles golden age during the 1890s gold rush. You can take the Snoqualmie Depot train for free. Art lovers in Seattle have been coming to the Henry Art Gallery since 1927.
Every weekday, from 4-5 p.m., you can make a donation to What You Want. The Log House Museum seeks to preserve the Duwamish Peninsulas history by preserving the 1904 gem built from logs and dominated by native PNW flora. Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, a museum dedicated to Asian American history, culture, art, and advocacy, is located in a contentious area.
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Seattle Art Museums To Visit
Were in the framing business, so its no secret that were art fans. Fortunately, Seattle has plenty to offer in the way of art, and much of it can be found at our citys local museums. Whether youre a fellow Seattle resident looking to experience some culture or a tourist exploring the area, here are four top museum picks not to miss.
Henry Art Gallery
For a chance to see an exciting art space that explores the avant-garde, the Henry Art Gallery is a must-see.
This regularly rotating showcase for contemporary art is located on the University of Washington campus. Its a dynamic and constantly changing hub that regularly defies expectations.
The gallery also features an auditorium, a café for visitors, and a beautiful outdoor space. Its closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and entrance is free on the first Thursday of each month. Standard admission is $10 for adults and free for children and students.
Seattle Art Museum
The top of the list for any serious art fan in Seattle will have to be the Seattle Art Museum. SAM is a world-class art museum with something for everyone. It was renovated and expanded in 2007 and features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibits. The collections range from ancient to modern, from the Mediterranean to the Islamic world. The exhibitions of Native American art from Pacific Northwest natives are an especially large draw.
Frye Art Museum
Benaroya Hall Tours & Recitals
Tour the magnificent Benaroya Hall on select dates. Free, 1-hour, docent-led tours are offered bi-monthly.
Parties of less than 10 people, can RSVP for available tour dates. Larger groups, or those needing special accommodations, should make arrangements with the Volunteer Office, at least 2 months ahead of time.
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Performing Arts On A Budget
In terms of other arts, if theres a performance you really want to see, check the website of the organization and sign up for emails. In pre-COVID-19 times, we relied on $10 day-of tickets and pay-what-you-wish dress rehearsals to see shows for cheap.
Performing arts groups are planning a very cautious fall season and many theaters wont start their seasons until this winter. But there will be discounted tickets available. Intiman Theatre, for instance, has a limited number of free for everyone same-day walk-up tickets, including for its Homecoming Performing Arts Festival Sept. 18-19. Seattle Rep will have a pay-what-you-choose option, and other ways to save, for live shows starting in January. Pacific Northwest Ballet sends email notifications for $15 tickets, half-price tickets and ticket giveaways when you sign up for its Pointe program.
If music is your jam, student performances have traditionally been a great way to catch concerts for free. The University of Washingtons ArtsUW calendar is a good place to check. As of press time, however, the pickings are looking slim even outdoor concerts are being canceled because of the surging delta variant.
Not Your Typical Museum:
Seattle Japanese Garden1075 Lake Washington Boulevard East, Seattle
The Japanese Garden is a 3.5-acre urban oasis within the Lake Washington Arboretum. It is typically open beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The usual admission charge is $8 for adults, $4 for seniors and kids 6-17 free for kids 5 and under. Admission will be free the first Thursday of each month.
A new exhibit, Garden Images, by Seattle artist Stephen Okawa, will be on display in the Tateuchi Community Room. Inspired by Okawas love of nature, Japanese art and gardens, the exhibit was created in 2020 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Garden. The series is printed on handmade paper from Nepal and mounted as triptychs on birch boxes.
719 S King StOpen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
The galleries of this museum of the Asian-Pacific American experience has a wonderful permanent display called Honoring our Journey, which is packed with stories and artifacts. Theres also a variety of temporary exhibits. The museum also offers neighborhood tours and other programs.
15th Ave NE & NE 41st St.University of Washington
This gallery on the UW Campus is devoted to contemporary art in all its surprising variety. It is currently open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday only, and admission is free through Oct. 1, 2021. Last admission 4:30 p.m. tickets by walk-up only no online ticketing.
510 Bellevue Way NEHours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
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Summary Of Upcoming Free Admission Days :
- Seattle Art Museum
- Museum of History and Industry
- Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Henry Art Gallery
- Seattle Asian Art Museum
- The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
- Klondike Gold Rush Museum
- Center on Contemporary Art
Additional free admission tips:
- You can use your Seattle library card or King County library card for free admission to many Seattle museums such as Museum of Pop Culture .
- Smithsonian Magazine hosts a free museum day every year on . Mark your calendar now for next year!
- Many Seattle museums offer free admission for children see details below.
Now, in no particular order, heres all the museum details:
The 8 Best Museums In Seattle For A Rainy Day
The 8 best museums in Seattle for a rainy day
Seattle may be best known for its rain, coffee, grunge music and stunning skyline, but a trip to the Emerald City wouldnt be complete without visiting its museums, where you can find everything from Jimi Hendrixs handwritten song lyrics to vintage pinball machines.
Heres our guide to the eight best museums in Seattle.
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Visiting The Seattle Art Museum
One of our favorite activities when we travel is enjoying local museums and art. We think the Seattle Art Museum is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon when visiting the city. SAM houses a diverse collection of art old and new and easily provides several hours of entertainment in a comfortable and spacious setting. Its also just one block from Pike Place Market, making for a convenient stop on a day of Seattle sightseeing.
Thinking about including Seattle Art Museum in your travel plans? Heres everything you need to know for your visit. Check out the KAYAK Seattle travel guide for more Seattle vacation ideas, too.
Museum Of Pop Culture
Museum of Pop Culture does not have any free admission days but participates in Museums for All, which allows free admission anytime if you present an Electronic Benefits Transfer card from any state. MoPOP also participates in the free library pass program with the Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System, so thats another great reason to get a library card! Children age 4 and younger always have free admission to MoPOP.
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The Seattle Asian Art Museum
The museum has a sister museum known as the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Discover the beauty of Asian art at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Nestled in Capitol Hills stunning Volunteer Park, this art modern structure houses a collection of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Southeast Asian and Himalayan art. Simply take a free gallery tour and discover the splendor of Asian art and culture. The museum opens its doors free of charge every first Thursday and Saturday of the month.
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Pioneer Squares Monthly Art Walk Now Has Some Stiff Competition
A few months ago, when Becky Blanchard was opening a new show in her Pioneer Square art gallery, she noticed a crowd outside. It was First Thursday, and crowds were usually a good thing for the monthly art walk.
But this crowd was watching a mini-performance by Teatro ZinZanni in Occidental Park.
It was a great celebration, said Blanchard, co-director of theStonington Gallery. But they had this huge crowd, and the galleries were empty.
For nearly 30 years, First Thursday has been a Pioneer Square fixture and one of Seattles best-known, art-scene hangouts, in which galleries stay open late one night a month, and people come check out new exhibits and stroll the cobblestones.
But the concept, billed as the countrys first art walk, has become so successful that it has spawned a host of imitators and followers. The Seattle Art Museum and Henry Art Gallery also now do a First Thursday, in which they stay open late and offer free admission.
Theres also a popular arts-and-crafts market with free music in Occidental Park on the first Thursday of the month. And Seattle and other city boosters obsessed with attracting happy, social people to downtown parks have begun scheduling lots of free events, dance lessons and concerts, many of which happen to fall on the same day.
The competition for calendar space, coupled with economic hard times, has begun to annoy some Pioneer Square gallery owners, who have long felt a sense of ownership over First Thursday.
Visiting Seattle Asian Art Museum
Location: 1400 East Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98112.
Parking: FREE parking in Volunteer Park. Easy access from public transit.
Hours: Closed until further notice.
Admission: Closed until further notice.
Discount tickets:
- Upon reopening, FREE admission on the first and second Thursday of every month, and on the first Saturday of the month.
- Seniors are FREE the first Friday of every month.
- Students, teens, seniors, and military with IDs get a discount as well.
- Membership provides FREE entry after the membership fee is paid.
- FREE tours with regular admission price.
10:00 am to 8:00 pm | FREE | Burke Museum, NE 45th S and 17th Ave NE, University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA
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Free Seattle Museums: The Ultimate Guide
Rain, rain, go away. Well, if you know a thing or two about Seattle, youll know it likely wont. But dont let that stop you! While a rainy day may not be ideal for a picnic at Golden Gardens Park, boating around Lake Washington, or strolling through downtown, rainy days are perfect for discovering the things you normally wouldnt think to do like museums! Seattle has a plethora of interesting museums, some youve probably never heard of, so we went ahead and did you a favor and compiled the ULTIMATE SEATTLE MUSEUM GUIDE including information on Free Admission Days . Take advantage of the next rainy PNW day and check out one of the museums below:
1. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
*Free admission 1st Thursday of every month
The Burke Museum, the oldest museum in Washington state, explores the history of the Northwest with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to Native American history and more. The museum is home to over 16 million artifacts, as well as the largest collection of spread bird wings in the world.
*Free admission every day
Honoring Seattles unique maritime culture, the Center for Wooden Boats serves to preserve and document the historic wooden boats of the Pacific Northwest. Also considered a living museum, you have the opportunity to rent these historic boats and take them out on Lake Union.
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Chihuly Garden And Glass
325 5th Avenue N Seattle, WA 98109, map
Dale Chihuly is one of the most recognizable names in glass art. If youve ever been to the Bellagio in Vegas, then youre familiar with his work in the lobby ceiling.
Chihuly is originally from Tacoma, Washington and often has limited time exhibits, but Chihuly Garden and Glass opened at the Seattle Center in 2012 and has no plans on leaving. Each piece is beautifully displayed and they even have demonstrations about the process out of an old converted Airstream. Its easily one of the best art museums in seattle.
Also, if youre looking for unique Seattle Art Museum Events, check out the private workshop events.
Pro Tip: This place gets busy! Try to arrive as early as possible especially if youre hoping to get good photos without people in them. The best photo spots come towards the end at the glass house, so we suggest you head there first.
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Hiram M Chittenden Locks
The Locks, built by the US Army Corp of Engineers in 1917, connect Lake Washington, Lake Union and Salmon Bay to the Puget Sound. They maintain the water level of the lakes at 20-22 feet above sea level and prevent the mixing of saltwater with freshwater. The visitors center provides fascinating information about this project.
The locks are in use 24/7. This is one of my favorite places to go during a Seattle free museum day. Youve gotta check it out!
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Are Seattle Museums Free
Certain Seattle museums are free on the first Thursday of the month. These are the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of History and Industry, the Burke Museum, the National Nordic Museum, and the Museum of Flight. The Seattle Asian Art Museum is free on the last Friday of the month. The Frye Art Museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and the Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park are always free to visit.
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Free Late Night First Thursday
We visited SAM on the first Thursday in March when I came to Seattle from Boston to check out UW for grad school. This museum, as well as many others, are free on the first Thursday of every month. The museum was also open until midnight, which was awesome, but I’m not sure that they do that every month. It was great fun to stroll through an uncrowded museum late at night – I highly recommend it.We saw some really interesting modern sculptures and the museum also has a vast collection of historical art, including some amazing masks.The building itself is gorgeous and great fun to walk through. If you like art museums, you’ll really enjoy SAM whether or not you are able to make it for a first Thursday event.
Living Computers: Museum + Labs
Theres so much to see and do at the Living Computers: Museum + Labs! All the computers are restored and interactive. Guests can play vintage computer games, use a Teletype and more. Kids can play with Snap Circuits and other computer-related gadgets in the BitZone. If you dont want to wait for the next official Seattle free museum day, check out their incredible ACCESS Program for visitors with EBT cards.
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