Museums for Every Mood

From prominent institutions to offbeat newcomers, these art and cultural destinations are ready for you to explore.

Beyond their flagship location near Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum (SAM) (1300 First Ave) operates the waterfront Olympic Sculpture Park (2901 Western Ave), which hosts large-scale installations in the open air, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum (1400 E Prospect St) in Volunteer Park, dedicated to SAM’s vast, unique collection of Asian art.

For another look into local Asian history, the Wing Luke Museum (719 S King St) offers insight on Asian Pacific American communities’ historic roots and personal experiences with rotating exhibits, education programs, and, occasionally, specialized tours of Chinatown-International District. For a glimpse into another side of Seattle history, visit the architecturally renowned National Nordic Museum (2655 NW Market St) in Ballard, which features immersive galleries on the Pacific Northwest Nordic experience alongside visiting exhibitions from Nordic countries.

Deepen your understanding of the Puget Sound region at Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) (860 Terry Ave N) through a collection of significant artifacts and traveling exhibits, like Ansel Adams: Masterworks this summer. Nearby, The Center for Wooden Boats (1010 Valley St) contains exhibits on Seattle’s relationship to boating—and you can experience that yourself by taking to the waters of Lake Union on a rental sailboat at this self-described living museum. Or stop into the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center (4705 W Marginal Way SW), a hybrid traditional longhouse, history museum, art gallery, and event space that celebrates the heritage of Seattle’s First People.

Go beyond museum walls, and explore Seattle’s vibrant outdoor art scene when you travel through a corridor of ground-to-sky murals along the SODO Track by bike, foot, Link light rail, or bus.