On Exhibit

As you explore the city’s trove of outstanding museums, don’t miss these thought-provoking temporary shows and exhibits.

A collage of various photographs showing people in different settings, all connected by red string pinned to a light wooden board, creating a network or web-like pattern. DISplace courtesy Wing Luke Museum

Through August 2, Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest at Seattle Art Museum showcases life during the 20th century through the eyes of artists working in the era’s trending styles, including social realism and surrealism. At the museum’s outdoor space overlooking Elliott Bay, Olympic Sculpture Park, Qiu Zhijie: Map of the History of Science and Technology opened in January 2026 and traces notable technical advancements from ancient times through the modern day. Also on view in the park, Ai Weiwei’s Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads features striking bronze sculptures, each over 10 feet tall, that represent the animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Take a deep dive into different aspects of Pacific Northwest history, starting at the Wing Luke Museum, where DISplace (June 13–Jan 4, 2027) tells the story of Native Hawaiians who have relocated here, and Lost & Found: Searching for Home (through Sept 14) features artists exploring different ways to define “home.” At the Burke Museum, Woven in Wool: Resilience in Coast Salish Weaving (through Aug 30) takes visitors through the under-documented seasonal cycle of weaving, from the gathering of materials to the end result of intricate designs. You can view more weaving displays at Henry Art Gallery, spotlighting Diné artist Eric-Paul Riege in ojo|-|ól (through Oct 25). Using textiles, sculptures, videos, and more, Riege celebrates ancestral wisdom, illustrates cultural continuity, and sparks challenging conversations.

As the United States turns 250, the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) will be one of eight venues to host the Freedom Plane National Tour (July 30–Aug 16), which displays some of the most significant documents from the country’s founding era before they return to the National Archives.

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