Arts & Culture

Explore Seattle’s Arts Scene

Whether you’re visiting a museum, enjoying a theater performance, attending a concert or film festival, or checking out a literary event, there are so many ways to experience arts and culture in Seattle. There’s something for everyone to discover, with special events occurring year-round.

A spacious glass atrium with vibrant orange and yellow glass sculptures suspended from the ceiling. The transparent walls reveal a green garden outside.

The Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass Javen / Shutterstock

Visual Art

There’s a museum in Seattle for every kind of person, whether you’re looking for contemporary art, natural history, exhibits geared towards kids or anything in between. Some museums are free year-round, with guided tours that can help acquaint you with what’s on display, while others are gratis on select days of the month. When you’re out and about, you can stroll through a sculpture park or discover public art as you explore different neighborhoods. As the country’s epicenter of the studio glass movement, Seattle is also home to a plethora of glass art, including dedicated museums. Art galleries offer rotating exhibitions and some house artist studios where you can see art being created live.

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Bumbershoot MPH Photos/Shutterstock

Music

Seattle has a rich musical history, embracing genres from jazz and rock to grunge and folk. One of the best ways to experience music in the city is by attending a show at a local venue. Some locations are more intimate and highlight up-and-coming artists, while others offer big-name entertainment and the opportunity to dine on delicious food and drinks while watching the show. You can also visit dozens of record stores, check out landmarks honoring some of the musical greats, or explore music-themed exhibits with extensive memorabilia from some of the city’s greatest artists.

Find your beat in Seattle’s music scene >>

Dancers in colorful outfits perform a dynamic routine on stage. One dancer in red leaps gracefully in the center, while others in yellow, green, and orange strike expressive poses against a deep red backdrop.

Christopher Duggan

Performing Arts

There’s an amazingly wide range of performance experiences available in Seattle, from comedy and cabaret to the symphony or a Broadway show. Spend an evening at the theater or make your way to an opera performance, the ballet, or poetry reading at a local bookstore.

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Courtesy SIFF Cinema Uptown

Cinema

It’s always a good day to see a movie, and in Seattle you have options. Numerous festivals cover practically every genre, from shorts to indie films, from local and international directors. Visit a historical local theater or take in a movie while noshing on specialty concessions. During the summer, enjoy outdoor movies under the stars or within view of local landmarks and art pieces, some with food trucks and live music beforehand.

Explore Seattle’s film and cinema culture >>

A spacious bookstore with rows of wooden bookshelves filled with various books. The ceiling features exposed wooden beams and modern lighting. Large windows allow natural light to illuminate the space.

Elliott Bay Book Company Jane Sherman

Literary Events and Lectures

Seattle is a designated UNESCO City of Literature—one of only two in the U.S.—and for good reason. There are dozens of local bookstores to discover, some that host author Q&As and panels, and many public libraries to visit. There are also community spaces where writers and creatives gather to share their work. Check out the Literary Map for inspiration on where to get started.

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A traditional outrigger canoe with intricate designs is displayed on a wall, surrounded by an array of paddles and canoe decorations. The background depicts a serene water scene, enhancing the cultural and historical ambiance.

Burke Museum Melissa Herzog

Cultural Heritage

Seattle is home to many diverse peoples and cultures. Immerse yourself in the traditions of Indigenous tribes that call the region home by visiting a historic longhouse, museums, galleries, and gathering spaces. Learn more about Black, Latino/a/x, Nordic, and Asian heritage through a variety of exhibitions, dedicated museums and cultural centers, and annual festivals. You can also experience Seattle’s rich diversity by shopping small at BIPOC-owned businesses throughout the city.

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