Seattle is full of wonderful museums to educate and inspire.
The Seattle area is home to an excellent collection of art, history, maritime, and special interest museums. The Museum of Flight will take you on a thrilling adventure through aviation history with exhibits like the Great Gallery, the Personal Courage Wing and the original Boeing Headquarters, in one of the largest air and space museums in the world. At MOPOP you can learn to play an instrument, stroll through the Jimi Hendrix exhibit and explore the history of popular culture. History buffs will appreciate the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the Klondike Gold Rush Museum. Many of these museums are family-friendly and offer hands-on-activities for kids and adults alike!
MUSEUMS FOR EVERY INTEREST
Photo: Linda Lane
Art & Craft Museums
Seattle is a magnet for both artists and art enthusiasts. The casual yet sophisticated setting, beautiful scenery and inspiring mix of people create a powerful environment for artistic expression.
Photo: Bill Abbott
Aviation & Transportation Museums
The greater Seattle area has an extensive collection of historic planes, from public displays to private collections open to the public. See how far we have come since the first airplane took flight in Seattle in 1910.
Photo: Loren Javier
History & Heritage Museums
Seattle is named after the respected Native American Chief of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes. Shaped by many cultures, including the original Native Americans, along with immigrants from Asia and Scandinavia, we retain a strong and diverse cultural heritage that provides many opportunities to learn about Seattle from the roots up.
Photo: David Newman
Maritime & Military Museums
The maritime heritage of Puget Sound is filled with fascinating stories of native traditions, intrepid explorers, pioneer sea captains and vessels, industrialists, and ordinary working people.
Photo: Ingrid Taylar
Science & Natural History Museums
In a region that is notorious for its stunning natural beauty and technological innovation, is it surprising that we have fantastic science and natural history museums for you to explore?
Photo: Theresa Arzadon-Labajo
Pop Culture Museums
The optimistic and creative mentality of Seattle residents creates an attractive climate for innovative thinkers. This is why some of the most original and successful business concepts in the nation have been launched right here in Seattle. (Hint: think Boeing, Amazon, Starbucks, REI, Expedia, Zillow…)
Photo: Nicholas Wang
Children’s Museums
While any museum in the area welcomes children, some offer special programs that keep the attention of even our youngest travelers. From hands-on exhibits to creative events catered just for kids, you’ll find yourself wishing that you were a kid again!
Upcoming Museum Events
Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame
Ongoing
Explore the lives and legacies of the genre’s greatest in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
Event WebsiteEarthlings and Extraterrestrials: 20 Years of Kids Design Glass
Ongoing
In celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the Kids Design Glass Program, the Museum has pulled together a …
Event WebsiteMaritime Seattle
Ongoing
Maritime Seattle continues the 50+ year partnership between MOHAI and the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society (PSMHS). Hosted …
Event WebsiteAsian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form
Now through 1/4/2026
Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asian comic art and its …
Event WebsiteMetaphor into Form: Art in the Era of the Pilchuck Glass School
Ongoing
Founded in 1971, the Pilchuck Glass School, co-founded by Tacoma native Dale Chihuly, emerged as a world-renowned center …
Event WebsiteAmazing Life
Ongoing
Over 8.7 million species are known to exist today, with more being discovered daily. How did this variety …
Event WebsiteWindow on Washington Waters
Ongoing
This 120,000-gallon exhibit greets you as you take your first steps into the Seattle Aquarium. Filled with hundreds …
Event WebsiteOur Material World
Ongoing
From the food we put in our bodies to the furniture we put in our homes, human life …
Event WebsiteInfinite Worlds of Science Fiction
Ongoing
Packed with more than 150 artifacts from iconic films and television shows, this exhibition invites you to experience …
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