While Seattle is undoubtedly a city filled with rainy days and cloudy skies, it is also bursting with life and innovation. Some of the West Coast’s most incredible cultural centers, beautiful historic sites and world-class galleries call this city home, making it an idyllic destination for travelers from every corner of the world.
The city’s unbelievable museums have helped put Seattle on the map. Whether you’re looking to learn about local natural history, explore a showcase of astonishing artwork or dive into the diverse realm of pop culture, this city has it all.
Take a look at these top AAA-recommended museums in Seattle to ensure you have the opportunity to see the very best this beautiful city has to offer.
1. Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
1300 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 206.654.3100
Filled with some of the country’s most coveted pieces, the Seattle Art Museum is widely considered one of the more exceptional museums in the city, if not the entire West Coast. Located in downtown Seattle, their exquisite collections are a must for lovers of all things art, culture and history.
The SAM offers a vast range of collections spanning from Ancient art to contemporary masterpieces. Their exemplary dedication and respect towards indigenous artwork and traditions have set them in a league of their own.
The Asian Artwork exhibits, particularly the extensive collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy, are one of the most popular areas in the museum, offering visitors the opportunity to see these magnificent pieces up close.
2. Museum of History and Innovation (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave. N, Seattle, WA 206.324.1126
Between MOHAI’s incredible interactive displays, up-close looks at some of the region's most rare artifacts and their wide range of incredible exhibits, it’s no wonder why this museum is one of Seattle’s most popular.
Dedicated to exploring the past, present and future, the MOHAI takes an in-depth look at what makes the Pacific Northwest such a special place and what needs to be done to preserve this unique destination.
One of the largest private heritage organizations in the state, their exceptional collections contain over 4 million archival materials for guests to explore. Their True Northwest Exhibit is a truly spectacular opportunity to delve into Seattle’s past, looking closely at events from 1790 to today.
3. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
325 5th Ave. N, Seattle, WA 206.770.2700
Certainly one of Seattle's most unique museums. The MoPOP is one of the country's highest-rated Pop Culture museums offering in-depth looks at what makes modern society tick. Filled with an array of sci-fi and fantasy displays, interactive music exhibits and artifacts from some of the world's most influential artists, this extraordinary museum showcases what it is to live in the world as we know it.
Guests looking for an adrenaline rush will love walking through their interactive horror film exhibit. At the same time, gamers will feel right at home in their Indie Game Revolution area, which is dedicated to some of the most groundbreaking work in the industry.
However, some of the most popular exhibits in the entire museum are the interactive Jimi Hendrix experience, where guests will travel along with the artist through the height of his fame, as well as the in-depth look at Nirvana, which offers guests a look at the worlds most extensive collection of the band's memorabilia.
4. Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 206.753.4940
Renowned Glass Artist Dale Chihuly has works in more than 200 museums worldwide. However, arguably one of the most stunning installations of his work is located right in the middle of the Seattle Center.
Thrilled with the opportunity to design an exhibit within his own community, the pieces are designed to celebrate the region's unique creative energy, allowing guests the chance to immerse themselves in the inspirations atmosphere found here.
With indoor and outdoor installations that blend Chihuly's art perfectly with nature, guests can explore a world unlike any other. In addition to the stunning galleries, the museum also offers interactive glassblowing exhibits showcasing the artist's innovative techniques.
5. Pacific Science Center (PacSci)
200 2nd Ave. N, Seattle, WA 206.443.2001
With a wide variety of hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences, the Pacific Science Center is a fantastic destination for science lovers and families alike. Dedicated to igniting curiosity in every guest, this museum explores innovations and discoveries that have shaped our world and the possibilities that may change how we look at our universe in the future.
The PacSci Planetarium and IMAX theater shows are certainly two of the most popular exhibits in the museum. However, their one-of-a-kind butterfly house is a beautiful opportunity to see exquisite insects from around the world.
6. National Nordic Museum
2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 206.789.5707
Committed to sharing the beauty and intrigue of Nordic culture, this unique museum is the only institution in the United States dedicated to preserving the values and tradition of this spectacular region.
Celebrating everything about the Nordic way of life, the museum offers guests an up-close look at the history, myths and sagas that have played an important role in the cultures of countries such as Denmark, Finland and Norway. The National Nordic Museum is filled with unbelievable artifacts, artwork and displays showcasing the region's unique history. Guests can even take their own journeys through the region's incredible natural landscape, getting a better understanding of the role immigration played in creating this vibrant culture we now know.
7. Seattle Children's Museum
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 206.441.1768
Anyone visiting Seattle with younger children needs to stop by the unbelievable Seattle Children's Museum. This collection of interactive displays promotes the idea of play-learning, allowing children to explore the world around them and use their imaginations for hands-on discovery and engagement.
The museum offers several different themed areas for kids to investigate, including an Orca Cove that brings children into a spectacular ocean world and The Mountain, where kids can explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscape without worrying about the rain.
8. Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
719 S. King Street, Seattle, WA 206.623.5124
Located in the city's renowned International District, the Wing Luke Museum offers a unique perspective on American immigration that is all too often overlooked. Dedicated to telling the unheard stories of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians living in the Pacific Northwest, this museum honors their beautiful heritage, traditions and culture.
The only Pan-Asian American Pacific museum of its kind, the Wing Luke Museum offers three stories of artwork, artifacts and memorabilia showcasing a unique perspective and history. Guests are offered the opportunity to wander through unique exhibits, including the iconic Bruce Lee exhibit Be Water, My Friend, where the museum takes a deep look into his incredible teachings and philosophies.
Seattle is a city filled with culture, art, music and history, unlike any other in the world. Their rich offerings include world-class museums with state-of-the-art displays and intriguing pieces that will leave you wanting more and more. Exploring Seattle's stunning museums is the best way to better understand its exquisite cultural landscape.
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