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!
Museum Partners
Southside Seattle
Northwest African American Museum
- Address: 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle, WA 98144
- Phone: (206) 518-6000
- Connect:
Belltown
Holocaust Center for Humanity
- Address: 2045 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Phone: (206) 582-3000
- Connect:
University District
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Address: 1413 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105
- Phone: (206) 543-5590
- Connect:
South Lake Union
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
- Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
- Phone: (206) 324-1126
- Connect:
Tacoma
LeMay – America’s Car Museum
- Address: 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
- Phone: (253) 779-8490
- Connect:
Queen Anne
Seattle Children’s Museum
- Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Phone: (206) 441-1768
- Connect:
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
Washington: My Home
Ongoing
Many people have called Washington home. Through this poetic exhibition, the Washington State History Museum helps us all …
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 WebsiteDiego Cibelli
Now through 5/10/2026
SAM’s ornate Porcelain Room features an evocative ceiling fresco by the greatest Venetian artist of the eighteenth century, …
Event WebsiteScared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film
Ongoing
Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film features more than 50 props and costumes from film and …
Event WebsiteBoundless: Stories of Asian Art
Ongoing
Asia can be defined in many ways, geographically, culturally, and historically. As the world’s largest and most populated …
Event WebsiteField Notes: Artists Observe Nature
Now through 8/31/2025
Not surprisingly, artists have looked to the natural world for inspiration for millennia. For this exhibit, contemporary glass …
Event WebsiteDiego Cibelli: Fiori dei mei Habiti
Now through 5/10/2026
SAM’s ornate Porcelain Room features an evocative ceiling fresco, The Triumph of Valor over Time by the greatest …
Event WebsiteCalder at SAM
Ongoing
Calder at SAM celebrates the life, legacy, and work of iconic American artist Alexander Calder.
Event WebsiteNirvana: Taking Punk To the Masses
Ongoing
The exhibition features instruments like Kurt Cobain’s Fender Stratocaster, Krist Novoselic’s Hiwatt DR103 bass amplifier head, and Dave …
SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST
Seattle’s best every month in your inbox
Book Your Trip
Advertisements