Location: Seattle
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What to do and see in Seattle, Washington (WA): The Best Art 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.
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1. Center on Contemporary Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This non-profit art center hosts rotating exhibits on the most cutting-edge work the art world has to offer.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Frye Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
A free art museum with a historical Founding Collection, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art of the region and beyond.
Reviewed By terryLCO - Garland, United States
My wife and I had an hour or so to spend before our reservation at the space needle restaurant, so we went to the Frye. Surprised how nice it was, a lot of German and European scenes. Typical Venitian looks from the Grand Tour period, bucolic scenes. Pretty.
5. 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.
6. Bryan Ohno Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
7. Seattle Asian Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 146 reviews
Today’s Seattle Asian Art Museum is inspired. The newly renovated and expanded Asian Art Museum breaks boundaries to offer a thematic, rather than geographic or chronological, exploration of art from the world’s largest continent. The restoration of the historic Art Deco building, improvements to critical systems, expanded gallery and education spaces, and a new park lobby that connects the museum to the surrounding Volunteer Park are just some of the ways the Asian Art Museum has been transformed and preserved as a cultural and community resource for future generations.
Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States
The Seattle Asian Art Museum is a fabulous museum of Asian art located inside Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. SAAM is part of the Seattle Art Museum. SAAM occupies a gorgeous 1933 Art Deco building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission is free on the first Thursday and first Saturday of each month. Approximately 4.5% of SAAM’s entire collection is displayed at any given time. SAAM is a must visit for any art lover visiting Seattle.
8. Lino Tagliapietra
In the heart of Seattle, a short walk to Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum, Lino Tagliapietra’s studio shines. Book your tour today through the website to observe an incredible display of glass art at world renowned artist Lino Tagliapietra's glass studio. Free of charge, the tours are available every Friday between the hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Explore the wonders of glass art!
9. Fountainhead Gallery
Fountainhead Gallery is a leading Seattle fine art gallery, located in the neighborhood of Queen Anne. Fountainhead offers an impressive selection of original art, changing monthly since its founding in 1996. The gallery also offers concerts, a distinguished speaker series, and various performing arts events.
