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The 10 Best Museums in Seattle, Washington (WA)
In Seattle you simply can’t skip the Central Public Library – a modern architectural marvel of glass grids, unusual shapes, and a “book spiral” that climbs four stories. Stroll over to Pike Place Market to visit the original Starbucks and play catch with a fishmonger. In the heart of the city lies Chihuly Garden and Glass, which will dazzle you with its colorful and delicate works. Glide to the top of the Space Needle for panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Puget Sound.
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1. William Traver Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
2. Vetri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Vetri is a premier art gallery in Seattle offering a curated presentation of contemporary sculpture and well-executed handmade objects. At the core of our presentation are unique pieces that celebrate materials, an excellence in craftsmanship and the process of design. We believe beauty is an essential part of life, and that artists grant us access to beauty in new and unexpected ways; ways that educate our emotions and enhance our everyday lives. Founded in 1996 by the Traver family, Vetri began as a gallery dedicated to the young Studio Glass artists of the Pacific Northwest. Many prominent artists, such as Preston Singletary and Nancy Callan, had their first show at Vetri. Over the course of 20 years, we have exhibited hundreds of artists working with glass, and we have developed a reputation as being a launching pad for artists working in the medium. We have recently expanded to include interesting work by emerging ceramics artists, and intriguing sculptural jewelry by independent designers. Visit our gallery and rediscover handmade. We are located one block south of the historic Pike Place Market, across the street from the Seattle Art Museum and the Four Seasons Hotel.
3. Museum of Communications
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By dasoussan
I'm in my mid-50s and grew up taking apart telephones, playing with the phone system, and other stuff that lead me into the computer field. This is an awesome museum with all kinds of phone system from early switchboards, various automated switching systems, and other fascinating areas of the telecom industry. And IT ALL WORKS! The things that were done here created a network that is as ubiquitous as the Internet is today and indeed is the forerunner of the Internet (which started over phone data line technology). The only downside is it is only open for a few hours on Sundays, but it is well worth your time and effort to see it. If you are interested in technology. If you aren't, skip this. Really. They are funded mostly by donations, so throw a few bucks their way, buy a T-Shirt, etc. I found it via Atlas Obscura before it was on Trip Advisor. It is in a very non-descript building that used to be a phone switching station so trust your GPS / Nav system, pull into the parking lot that says it is for an unnamed telephone company employees only, and enjoy!
4. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24,263 reviews
Located in the heart of Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Through the exhibition’s eight interior galleries, lush outdoor garden and centerpiece Glasshouse visitors will experience a comprehensive look at Chihuly's most significant series of work. With both day and night experiences, and full-service dining in the adjoining Collections Café, this long-term exhibition offers a unique experience rain or shine.
Reviewed By KLanicek - Austin, United States
This was an amazing privelege to witness the remarkable talent of Mr. Chihuly and his team of artists. From the amazing and gravity-defying displays to the glass-blowing demo in the courtyard, this place is fantastic! I would like to shake the hand of every member of the cleaning crew, too. Not a speck of dust marred the breathtaking sculptures with their thousands of glass pieces! I'd add that this place was fantastic for my friend and I (grown-ups) and my teenage son appreciated the artwork (and the the glass blowing demo), but I wouldn't risk bringing toddlers or young kids in unless their temperament is calm and obedient. This is a great place to bring older kids, though, to truly marvel at the talent and artistry that goes into making each piece and then putting all those pieces together into a sculpture (landscape, etc.) that is really magical. The gift shop has some unique pieces, too (lots of great gifts). I'm glad my spendy teen was at home or I'd be broke for sure! Another tip is that the gardens outside were just as beautiful as the displays inside. I'd recommend timing your visit with nicer weather (I'm told we got lucky) so you can maximize your experience. You can probably put your hood up and deal with raindrops, but the outdoor gardens are best when you're not rushed by rain. We also had the privelege of seeing the gardens from the Space Needle at dusk (lit up) and wish we had been able to go back into the gardens when it's lit up. From what we could see through the thick hedges (not much) and from above, it looked fantastic! Side note: We got a CityPass and were able to pair it with the Space Needle and MoPop and do all 3 in one day. That alone made it worth the cost of the CityPass.
5. The Unity Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
The Unity Museum offers rotating exhibits, presentations and public discourse on local and global topics of relevance and historical significance to the advancement of civilization. The Unity Museum’s services are free to the public and visitors of all ages are welcome for tours and discourse. The Unity Museum also has outreach exhibits and presentations upon request in public venues such as libraries, civic centers, and schools. Themes addressed include issues related to historical movements toward social justice and the promotion of unity and peace, the historical path towards universal education, equality of gender and race, elimination of extremes of income inequity, the harmony of religious history, the need for balance between science and spiritual forces, and the promotion of the oneness of humanity.
6. Living Computers: Museum + Labs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 209 reviews
Living Computers: Museum + Labs, located in Seattle, Washington, is dedicated to preserving and displaying working examples of historic computers that tell the story of our journey away from computing as a difficult and expensive undertaking toward the universal access to information technology we enjoy today. On any given day at the Living Computers: Museum + Labs, you might see our staff working to restore our vintage machines. Starting November 18th, we will also make a fantastic array of new technology available to our visitors featuring topics in modern computing, such as AI, VR, robotics, and self-driving cars. We believe that the best way for people to fully understand computing systems is by experiencing them.
Reviewed By Nostalgiyeah - Bellevue, United States
This museum is a must visit if you got your feet wet in tech or are generally curious about the various facets of it. The museum is split based on two themes - today's technology with big data and how it is shaping up the world of tomorrow and the history of tech, how we reached where we are today. I was able to spend time only in the latter half, the history and evolution of computers from the mid 20th century. I ended up spending over 3 hours here and thus was too tired to check the modern technology exhibits. I began with a wonderful tour given by Justin, one of the staffers at the museum. They have three tours everyday, I'd encourage you to try and make it for one if you can. The tour was about early development and democratization of computing - a special shout-out to Justin who conducted an excellent tour. At the entry to the vintage section is an "Enigma" machine, that was used quite extensively by Germany in World War 2. On display is the Digital Equipment Corporation's PDP-7 and subsequent versions of computers from the same family. The punch card machine (IBM 029) and the instruction set to create our own punch card is novel. It was enriching to read about the evolution of programming through punch card, punch card reader and the way punch cards were a way of life especially in universities and big companies. This floor then moves on to MITS Altair, based on the Intel 8080 microprocessor. They do have a working MITS Altair 8800 "computer" on display - that is priceless! They do an excellent job of walking though the popular culture of those days, the development of Altair and how eventually they faded away. Along this display is where they introduce the tech titans of Microsoft and Apple. There is mention of the founders of the two companies, the difference in the way they started out and the evolution of either of them and how they came to be the duopolies in the tech scene till late 20th century. I was particularly fascinated by the Microsoft exhibits - which included Windows 1.0, evolution of Microsoft Office and the advent and decline of Microsoft Home (products like Microsoft Encarta and Flight Simulator etc). I loved the layout and the explanations in this museum. Most of this stuff needs a lot of explanation and they've done a wonderful job with the plaques and short videos. The best part about this museum is the working machines, which have definitely been restored with time, care and effort. To play Pacman on Windows 1.0 or Apple II or write a basic program on the Altair 8800 is an incredible feel and something that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. The entrance fees is on the higher side ($22 for adults), if you purchase the ticket online, the price is slightly lower ($18). But I'll add that the price is should be considered in conjunction with the value of exhibits they have on display and the efforts that would have involved getting those machines online. They have a parking lot where free parking is provided. There are plenty of computer and arcade games to keep kids occupied as well! I'll definitely make another visit, especially to cover the modern tech displays which I didn't get time for!
7. Holocaust Center for Humanity
8. Coast Guard Museum Northwest
9. Seattle Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,542 reviews
SAM has been the center for world-class visual arts in the Pacific Northwest since 1933. Visit SAM to see a museum carved into the city, as much a part of Seattle's landscape and personality as the coffee, rain, mountains, Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle. Our three distinct locations celebrate the region's position as a crossroads where east meets west, urban meets natural, local meets global. Our collections, installations, special exhibitions, and programs feature art from around the world and build bridges between cultures and centuries.
Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a world class museum in a sleek and contemporary building in downtown Seattle. SAM’s digs are as artful as the works that inhabit it. As an institution of Seattle’s art scene, it’s a must-see for any visiting art lover. The multi-level space is expertly curated, with a permanent collection, rotating exhibits, a library, and restaurant.
10. The Museum of Flight
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,675 reviews
Walk the aisle of JFK's Air Force One and climb aboard the West Coast's only Concorde. Revel in the history and heroics of WWI and WWII. Barrel-roll a Mustang, land on the moon, and soar over Puget Sound in a simulator. Experience the excitement of the space race and sit at the controls of the world's fastest jet. From the Wright brothers to the exploration of Mars, you'll find it at The Museum of Flight!
Reviewed By Jaretr1 - Miami, United States
Being an airplane geek, I had to check this out, and it was worth it! Its a fantastic museum that goes into the history of Boeing, as well as how aircraft contributed to both world wars, and then a display of aircraft in two locations, including my favorite, the prior Air Force one! Several of the planes can be walked through, like the Concord and the first 747 test plane.
