Seattle’s top art museums: 7 must-sees for art lovers

If you’re looking for the best art in Seattle, the city’s art museums promise a little bit of everything and then some. Sure, Seattle’s face value often equates to its skyline-piercing Space Needle and coffee culture, but it’s a fantastic art destination, too.

Expect to find everything from carefully curated art galleries to innovative design museums in Washington’s largest city. Discover towering glassworks at Chihuly Garden and Glass, while the Museum of Pop Culture holds the secrets behind some of the world’s most iconic films and musicians. This list of Seattle’s best art museums offers an authentic taste of the city’s art scene.

Best art museums in Seattle

1. Stroll through the vast collection at the Seattle Art Museum

With around 25,000 works and artifacts, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) invites visitors to dream about the immense world of creative expression. The museum’s global collection covers diverse periods, regions, and art forms. You can visit this museum multiple times and discover something new each time.

Local tip:

Don’t miss the Native American art collection that illustrates the rich indigenous culture of the Pacific Northwest.

Address and opening hours:

1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. Appreciate Asian heritage at the Seattle Asian Art Museum

Set in the beloved greenery of Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum is an inspiring and educational hub for Asian art and culture. Housed in an Art Deco building from 1933 and previously home to SAM, the museum’s exquisite collection includes works from China, Japan, India, and beyond.

Local tip:

Check out the museum’s calendar for special exhibitions and cultural events that offer a deeper understanding of Asian art.

Address and opening hours:

1400 E Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98112. Open Thursday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

3. Enjoy free access to elevated art at the Frye Art Museum

Located in the First Hill neighborhood, the Frye Art Museum showcases 19th- and 20th-century European and American paintings alongside contemporary art and rotating exhibitions. With free admission, this is one of the most accessible art spaces in Seattle.

Local tip:

For a uniquely Pacific Northwest experience, the PNW collection is a dedicated space for local art, emphasizing work by artists from Seattle and the surrounding area.

Address and opening hours:

704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

4. Ignite your creativity with contemporary art at the Henry Art Gallery

The Henry Art Gallery, located at the University of Washington, is Seattle’s only art museum destination dedicated entirely to contemporary works. The museum embraces fresh perspectives and new ideas in a space where art intersects with the modern world.

Local tip:

The University of Washington campus is open to the public and a beautiful place to walk and explore — factor in some extra before or after your visit to the gallery.

Address and opening hours:

15th Ave NE & University of Washington, NE 41st St, Seattle, WA 98195. Open Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Thursday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Alternative art museums in Seattle

5. Uncover mesmerizing glassworks at Chihuly Garden and Glass

Experience the brilliant universe of Dale Chihuly at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Right next to the Space Needle, this exquisite collection features glass flowers, globes, leaves, and more. The vibrant colors and dramatic installations, indoors and in the beautiful garden, create a mesmerizing experience.

Local tip:

Visit during the evening to see the glass sculptures illuminated, transforming the garden into an enchanting nighttime wonderland.

Address and opening hours:

305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109. Opening hours are posted approximately one month in advance, so check the Chihuly Garden and Glass website before your visit.

6. Meet your favorite pop culture icons at MoPOP

Explore the innovative and immersive world of music, film, and video games at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). It’s got everything from Seattle-born musician Jimi Hendrix’s smashed-up guitars to the cowardly lion’s costume from The Wizard of Oz.

Highlights:

Have your camera ready right when you arrive — the mind-bending architectural design of the building by Frank Gehry is as much an attraction as the exhibits inside.

Address and opening hours:

325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day except Wednesdays.

7. Embrace outdoor art at the Olympic Sculpture Park

Park meets art museum at Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park, a nine-acre sculpture park on the Seattle Waterfront featuring large-scale sculptures. This space is a perfect way to enjoy art in Seattle outdoors in the city’s largest green space.

Highlights:

Consider biking around the park to explore the art installations. Cycling, or even joining a bike tour, offers an active and efficient way to see all the sculptures.

Address and opening hours:

2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121. Open 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Seattle?

Yes, several art museums in Seattle have free admission days. For example, the Seattle Art Museum and the Henry Art Gallery are free on the first Thursday of each month. The Frye Art Museum is always free for all.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Seattle?

Beyond the well-known Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum stands out as a hidden gem, offering a rich exploration of Asian art and culture. Additionally, the Olympic Sculpture Park, often overlooked by those seeking traditional art museum experiences, presents an impressive array of photo-worthy sculptures in an open, natural setting.

Are the art museums in Seattle wheelchair accessible?

Most art museums in Seattle are wheelchair accessible. They typically have both elevators and ramps. Each museum’s website gives specific accessibility information.

Are there any art museums in Seattle that are suitable for children and families?

Many art museums in Seattle are suitable for children and families, and these museums usually feature interactive elements to create an engaging space for curious minds. For instance, the Museum of Pop Culture has hands-on activities like video games, album cover designing, and musical instruments to play. The Olympic Sculpture Park is another popular option, thanks to its open space to run around in and explore.