Location: Seattle
Top Things to do in Seattle
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Things to do in Seattle, Washington (WA): The Best Specialty Museums
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.
Restaurants in Seattle
1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. Rubber Chicken Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Rubber Chicken Museum is inside the Archie McPhee store. It is the premier source of information about rubber chickens. Stop by and learn about rubber chickens. See the world's smallest rubber chicken and take your picture with the world's largest rubber chicken. You'll get your Ph.D. in LOL!
5. Coast Guard Museum Northwest
6. 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.
7. Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
More than a museum, The Wing is an experience. Step back in time into the living quarters of Asian pioneers and learn how they shaped Seattle. Check out exhibitions of real life stories, including Day in the Life of Bruce Lee, detailing the personal habits of global icon Bruce Lee and his local connection. And plan for a tour of the Chinatown-International District neighborhood - Seattle’s second Chinatown location – to get an insider look at its history, sights and foods. A must-do for anyone who wants the local experience.
Reviewed By B5921PZjasonw - Key West, United States
Wanting to learn more about Chinatown and the International Dist., we signed up for the 90 min walking tour which included admission to the museum. The museum itself is rather small, as others have noted, but the exhibits are well done and exceptionally representative of the international districts very diverse population. The walking tour was just us four, and one other fellow, it began within the museum showing theater curtain painted with ads for local businesses, from about 100 years ago. What an outstanding artifact to show what was once there. We then headed out into the alley next to the museum to see stores and apartments, these had been lived in for several generations, only recently (within the past 10-15 years) being converted to museum space. Then it was off to a real life Fortune Cookie factory (we found no one trapped inside), this was neat! Then several several blocks of historical buildings and shops, some more interesting than others. The overall area is undergoing vast change, like most cities, so there is a mix of what was there for decade until just a few years ago with what is there now. I wish I had taken to same tour in 2008, 10 years ago it would have been like traveling back in time 50 years, today one can catch small reminders of that time, but change has largely overtaken the travel back in time aspects. On the whole, if you wish to learn a great deal about Chinatown, the International Dist., its people, and this aspect of life in Seattle or the Northwest more broadly, GO! You will be happy you did, I know I am.
8. National Nordic Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Please note: the Museum is closed to the public March 14–31. With stunning architecture, exhibitions, and programs, the National Nordic Museum traces 12,000 years of Nordic history, showcases contemporary Nordic culture, and shares how Nordic values and innovation can shape the future.
Reviewed By simivalley1699
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this museum after it was closed for so long. We had to order our timed tickets, and that was no problem. We revisited some of the exhibits we had seen before, and also the new exhibit about Gudrun Sjoden and her creations. Also enjoyed the photos about Dads and their kids. They are very careful to remind us to use hand sanitizer often, which we appreciate. Parking was no problem. We also enjoyed visiting the museum shop.
9. Museum of History & Industry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 839 reviews
The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is dedicated to enriching lives by preserving, sharing and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and the nation.
Reviewed By BeginsInWonder - Seattle, United States
I was very surprised by how engaging I found this museum. On the 2nd level the museum houses a series of rooms that you walk through, which tell the story of Seattle. The interpretation through objects and storytelling is very good. I learned a great deal and I would recommend going round the exhibition to every visitor to Seattle. You will find out about the Native peoples, about the growth of Seattle industries in the 19th century, including immigration, the fire and the gold rush, 20th century Seattle including Boeing, pop culture and protest movements, and the 21st century including music, and the growth of Amazon, Microsoft and other big tech. It is a really good overview of the city's story and its significance in the Northwest. The exhibits are housed around an atrium, which contains some interesting large items, such as a US Postal Service plane and some interesting public artworks. To top it off, the building itself is impressive and distinct, and it is situated next to some historic ships and the Lake Union Park. The view over Lake Union from the top floor, which also contains an exhibit about ships, is very good.
10. The Center for Wooden Boats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
The Center for Wooden Boats at South Lake Union is a hub of hands-on learning year-round. Boat rentals, classes and workshops, field trips, lectures, and opportunities for direct experience on the water and at the docks are just a few of the things you'll find when you visit.
Reviewed By richp206
Wounderful place to see old wooden boat building and restoration also youth sailing program. A must see visit
