Location: Seattle
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Top 9 History 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. 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!
2. Holocaust Center for Humanity
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The recently opened Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center sits at the heart of Duwamish Tribal Culture. As the tribe of Chief Si'ahl, namesake of the city of Seattle, the Duwamish Tribe has ensured that their new longhouse speaks to the history of the Seattle area. Boasting a wonderful museum, art gallery, gift shop, and gathering space, the Duwamish Longhouse is a must see!
6. Georgetown Steam Plant Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By jenl_travels - Seattle, United States
My husband and I attended one of the monthly tours (given only the 2nd Saturday of every month). Michael, the volunteer tour guide, gave us a fascinating history lesson on the origins and, finally, the last days of this plant. The volunteers are truly excited about what they do here. You can almost still hear the sounds of the engines and the smells of the steam and coal. Given that there are few steam turbine generators still in-situ in their power plants makes this place truly unique. There were only 6 other folks on the tour, and we were told that there have been as many as 200 people on tours. There was a musician playing the keyboard and singing when we got there which made for a lovely touch.
7. Ballard Locks Visitor Center / Museum & Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Visitor center with history exhibits and displays mostly on the second floor. A book store and gifts offers items unique to the Locks. A theater on main floor showing videos on demand and a second mini theater upstairs on the history of the Locks.
8. Log House Museum
9. Dockside Cannabis Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
The Dockside Cannabis museum features the Wirtshafter Collection of prohibition-era cannabis apothecary items such as bottles, hemp-made products, & more! Located within the most popular medically-endorsed, recreational cannabis weed stores in the SoDo neighborhood of Seattle, Dockside Cannabis.
