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
LeMay – America’s Car Museum
Ongoing
This international destination for families and auto enthusiasts celebrates America’s love affair with the automobile and explores how …
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 WebsiteDale Chihuly at Tacoma Art Museum
Ongoing
Celebrating world-renowned glass artist and Tacoma-native Dale Chihuly. Most of the works on view were donated by Chihuly …
Event WebsiteGuitar Gallery
Ongoing
The exhibition features nearly 20 guitars from music legends like Howlin’ Wolf’s 1965 Epiphone Casino, Nancy Wilson’s 1965 …
Event WebsiteThe Maestro in Series: Explorations of Form, Color, and Technique
Now through 10/31/2025
This display of works by Maestro Lino Tagliapietra presents eight virtuoso pieces from eight different series of works …
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 …
Event WebsiteNina Katchadourian: Origin Stories
Now through 10/26/2025
In Origin Stories, acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Nina Katchadourian exhibits five projects about family history, traditions, games, and mythologies …
Event WebsiteChihuly Garden and Glass
Ongoing
Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass brings together all the elements of artist Dale Chihuly’s work, …
Event WebsiteOur Material World
Ongoing
From the food we put in our bodies to the furniture we put in our homes, human life …
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