Seattle, Washington is a city of eclectic art and culture, tucked away in the heart of the beautiful, albeit often wet, Pacific Northwest. From the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market, there is no shortage of things to do in this bustling metropolis. But for the true culture seeker, the best way to experience Seattle is through its world-class museums. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history junkie, or a science nerd, Seattle has a museum to pique your interest. In this video, we’ll take a closer look at the highest-rated and most recommended museums in Seattle, exploring their unique collections and highlighting their must-see exhibits. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into Seattle’s vibrant cultural scene – you won’t be disappointed!
Viewcation Presents: The Best Museums in Seattle, Washington
Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP)
We had an absolute blast exploring the Seattle Museum of Pop Culture – a dynamic museum dedicated to modern art and pop culture. The museum boasts a variety of exhibits with diverse themes, ranging from Star Trek and Nirvana to Jimmy Hendrix, Fantasy Worlds, Indie Game Revolution, and Science Fiction. Visitors can explore each exhibit, discovering authentic memorabilia and iconic moments from all across the wonderfully diverse world of pop culture.
One of the highlights of our visit was the interactive exhibit, Sound Off!. This immersive experience allowed us to learn about the different aspects of music and even practice our skills by playing instruments like the guitar, drums, and singing in the sound booth.
And here’s a little pro tip for your visit: don’t forget to take a stroll around the museum’s exterior, designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry, who drew inspiration from music. If you venture around to the back of the building, you’ll also find some fantastic Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Seattle Art Museum
Conveniently located just one block away from Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, the Seattle Art Museum, affectionately known as SAM, has been a staple of the city’s fine art scene since 1933. In addition to the downtown location, SAM also oversees the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park.
As you enter the museum, you’ll be greeted by an eye-catching and inviting atmosphere, with ancient and modern artworks filling four floors of galleries. While the museum regularly rotates in new installations, its massive permanent collection steals the show on the first three floors. Notable highlights of the collection include Native American art, African art, and ancient Mediterranean art, as well as a vast array of modern and contemporary works.
To avoid the crowds, plan your visit for either a Wednesday or Thursday morning when the museum is less busy. And with plenty of other downtown attractions to explore, you’ll have ample time to make the most of your trip. Keep in mind that SAM is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
For those familiar with the world of glass art, Dale Chihuly needs no introduction. The artist’s signature style is instantly recognizable, and you may have even seen his work adorning the lobby ceiling of the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Hailing from Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly has been known to have limited-time exhibits in various locations. However, Chihuly Garden and Glass has been a permanent fixture at the Seattle Center since its opening in 2012. The museum’s stunning displays showcase each piece of Chihuly’s work in all its beauty, and visitors can even watch demonstrations of the artistic process from a converted Airstream trailer.
If you’re looking for unique events at the Seattle Art Museum, be sure to check out the private workshop options. But be forewarned – this museum can get quite crowded! Plan to arrive early to beat the crowds, especially if you’re hoping to snap some great photos without any other pesky visitors in the frame. The glass house, located towards the end of the museum, provides some of the best photo ops in town, so we recommend heading there first. All in all, Chihuly Garden and Glass is easily one of the best art museums in Seattle and should not be missed.
Museum of History and Industry
MOHAI, or the Museum of History & Industry, located at the south end of Lake Union, is a four-story museum showcasing the rich regional history of Seattle and Puget Sound. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from the native Duwamish peoples to the current tech industry that shapes the city. The museum also delves into significant historical events in the region, such as the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and Seattle’s first white settlers.
With stunning exhibits featuring extensive photographs, artifacts, and easy-to-read information, MOHAI is a visual delight. Some displays also have interactive features for a more hands-on experience, and the museum has several theaters for educational shows.
Museum of Flight
Looking to explore the final frontier or get up close and personal with some of history’s most iconic planes? Then, look no further than the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Located in the southern end of the city, this sprawling museum boasts an impressive collection of over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, including the famous Air Force One in the Aviation Pavilion and the interactive Space Gallery.
But it’s not just the massive collection that will leave you in awe- the Great Gallery features breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows and 39 planes suspended overhead. And if you’re looking to take your experience to new heights, the museum offers several add-on experiences, including docent-led tours and virtual flight simulations.
Whether you’re obsessed with history, a science enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out, the Museum of Flight is a must-see pit stop in Seattle. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance to make the most of your visit!
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Founded in 1885, the Burke Museum has a rich history as Washington’s oldest public museum. But don’t let its age fool you; this educational gem has undergone major transformations over the years, culminating in its relocation to the University of Washington campus in 2019. The new space is a true feast for the senses.
The museum is spread across three floors, each showcasing different areas of study. On the top floor, visitors can marvel at massive fossils and taxidermied animals in the paleontology and archaeology exhibits. The second floor focuses on biology and the mapping of all living things. Finally, the first floor highlights native culture through an array of artifacts and interactive exhibits.
What really sets the Burke apart is that it’s not just a museum; it’s also a fully functioning lab and research space. Visitors can peek into the inner workings of science through more than a dozen large windows that offer a glimpse into the scientific activities taking place.
Center For Wooden Boats
For those who appreciate the art of wooden boats, this museum is an absolute must-visit. With an extensive collection of various types of boats, visitors can explore the craftsmanship that goes into each one or enroll in one of their heritage skills workshops to learn even more.
But the real highlight of the museum occurs every Sunday, when they offer free boat rides to visitors. Be sure to check their website for updated information, and arrive early to secure your spot.
While winter slots tend to fill up more slowly, the summertime can be quite busy, with lines wrapping around the building as early as 9 AM on some occasions. So, mark your calendar and plan accordingly – you won’t want to miss this unique and exciting experience.
National Nordic Museum
Situated in the heart of Ballard, near Salmon Bay and Ballard Locks, the National Nordic Museum celebrates the rich heritage and history of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The museum explores the strong connection between Nordic culture and the Pacific Northwest, which has been home to thousands of Nordic immigrants.
On the first floor of the museum, visitors can explore regularly changing exhibits that showcase Nordic art, culture, and history. Meanwhile, the second floor houses the “Nordic Journeys” exhibit, a multi-room showcase that takes visitors on a journey through time. This permanent exhibit features the history of the Nordic region, from the native Sámi people to the Vikings, modern innovations, and everything in between.
A significant part of the “Nordic Journeys” exhibit is dedicated to highlighting the Nordic impact on the Pacific Northwest. Nordic immigrants played a vital role in shaping the region and building Seattle into the bustling metropolis it is today. The exhibit also features over 80,000 artifacts, providing a fascinating insight into the region’s past.
Pacific Science Center and Seattle Children’s Museum’s
The Seattle Center offers two interactive museums catering to both younger visitors and the young at heart, namely the Pacific Science Center and Seattle Children’s Museum. These museums are a short walk from one another and are quite popular for family visits.
The Pacific Science Center is a hub of STEM activities, with hundreds of hands-on experiences to explore. Exhibits and programs are updated regularly, providing something fresh on every visit. The museum features permanent exhibits such as a tropical butterfly house and a planetarium, keeping even adult visitors engaged.
Located nearby, the Seattle Children’s Museum provides a secure space for exploring and interacting with creative environments for children up to eight years old. Accompanying adults are encouraged to participate as well. It is worth noting that this museum may have temporary closures, so visitors are advised to check before planning a visit.
Living Computers and Labs
Located just south of T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field in downtown Seattle, Living Computers is an engaging and interactive museum that celebrates the evolution of computing technology. With its mix of vintage and cutting-edge exhibits, this technology-inspired creative space offers a fun and informative experience for visitors of all ages.
One of the highlights of Living Computers is its extensive collection of fully restored and functional vintage computers. Visitors can marvel at the size and complexity of mainframes and microcomputers from the past and even experience their sounds and flashing lights.
In addition to its vintage collection, the museum also showcases modern technological advancements such as big data, augmented reality, and robotics through a range of interactive exhibits. Visitors can even test out a self-driving car!
The museum also has special studios for aspiring game developers and digital artists, making it a great destination for anyone interested in technology, gaming, and creative expression.
Seattle Pinball Museum
One of our favorite museums on our trip to Seattle was the Seattle Pinball Museum, located in the International District just southwest of Pioneer Square. It’s not your typical museum, as it’s filled with approximately 50 pinball machines that visitors can play all they want with an admission ticket.
The collection of pinball machines is quite impressive, ranging from vintage models dating back to the 1930s to more modern designs. The museum also rotates their machines regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
While playing, visitors can also enjoy vintage sodas available for purchase within the museum. For those interested in hosting a special event, the entire space is available for rent. The museum opens at noon and operates from Thursday through Monday.
We’re just about out of time, but before you move on to watching another one of our videos, take a moment to drop us a line in the comments section down below. Which Seattle-area museums are you most excited to visit on your upcoming trip, and if you’ve already visited this iconic American city, what are a few of your personal favorite sights and attractions found in and around the Emerald City?