Seattle is full of wonderful museums to educate and inspire.
The Seattle area is home to an excellent collection of art, history, maritime, and special interest museums. The Museum of Flight will take you on a thrilling adventure through aviation history with exhibits like the Great Gallery, the Personal Courage Wing and the original Boeing Headquarters, in one of the largest air and space museums in the world. At MOPOP you can learn to play an instrument, stroll through the Jimi Hendrix exhibit and explore the history of popular culture. History buffs will appreciate the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the Klondike Gold Rush Museum. Many of these museums are family-friendly and offer hands-on-activities for kids and adults alike!
Museum Partners
University District
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Address: 4303 Memorial Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195
- Phone: (206) 543-5590
- Connect:
Chinatown-International District
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
- Address: 719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104
- Phone: (206) 623-5124
- Connect:
Beacon Hill
Northwest African American Museum
- Address: 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle, WA 98144
- Phone: (206) 518-6000
- Connect:
Pioneer Square
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park-Seattle
- Address: 319 Second Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
- Phone: (206) 220-4240
- Connect:
MUSEUMS FOR EVERY INTEREST
Photo: Linda Lane
Art & Craft Museums
Seattle is a magnet for both artists and art enthusiasts. The casual yet sophisticated setting, beautiful scenery and inspiring mix of people create a powerful environment for artistic expression.
Photo: Bill Abbott
Aviation & Transportation Museums
The greater Seattle area has an extensive collection of historic planes, from public displays to private collections open to the public. See how far we have come since the first airplane took flight in Seattle in 1910.
Photo: Loren Javier
History & Heritage Museums
Seattle is named after the respected Native American Chief of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes. Shaped by many cultures, including the original Native Americans, along with immigrants from Asia and Scandinavia, we retain a strong and diverse cultural heritage that provides many opportunities to learn about Seattle from the roots up.
Photo: David Newman
Maritime & Military Museums
The maritime heritage of Puget Sound is filled with fascinating stories of native traditions, intrepid explorers, pioneer sea captains and vessels, industrialists, and ordinary working people.
Photo: Ingrid Taylar
Science & Natural History Museums
In a region that is notorious for its stunning natural beauty and technological innovation, is it surprising that we have fantastic science and natural history museums for you to explore?
Photo: Theresa Arzadon-Labajo
Pop Culture Museums
The optimistic and creative mentality of Seattle residents creates an attractive climate for innovative thinkers. This is why some of the most original and successful business concepts in the nation have been launched right here in Seattle. (Hint: think Boeing, Amazon, Starbucks, REI, Expedia, Zillow…)
Photo: Nicholas Wang
Children’s Museums
While any museum in the area welcomes children, some offer special programs that keep the attention of even our youngest travelers. From hands-on exhibits to creative events catered just for kids, you’ll find yourself wishing that you were a kid again!
Upcoming Museum Events
REMEMBRANCE: The Legacy of Executive Order 9066 in Washington State
Ongoing
This new long-term gallery explores the intergenerational impacts and legacy of the incarceration of people of Japanese descent …
Event WebsiteWinter in the West
Ongoing
Winter is here. This selection of paintings from the Haub Family Collection celebrates the winter season with a …
Event WebsiteScared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film
Ongoing
Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film features more than 50 props and costumes from film and …
Event WebsiteTala Madani: Be flat
Now through 8/17/2025
Be flat is Tala Madani’s debut solo exhibition in Washington State, featuring recent and newly commissioned works that …
Event WebsiteAmerican Art: The Stories We Carry
Ongoing
American Art: The Stories We Carry, features a transformation of SAM’s American art galleries. Created through an unprecedented …
Event WebsiteBezos Center for Innovation
Ongoing
The Bezos Center for Innovation at Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry features 5000 square feet of exhibits …
Event WebsiteUnderwater Dome
Ongoing
Step through a short tunnel and into a one-of-a-kind exhibit: an undersea dome with a 360º view into …
Event WebsiteLeMay – America’s Car Museum
Ongoing
This international destination for families and auto enthusiasts celebrates America’s love affair with the automobile and explores how …
Event WebsiteVietnam Divided: War Above Southeast Asia
Ongoing
Located in the Museum’s T.A. Wilson Great Gallery this installation focuses specifically on the air war above Southeast …
Event WebsiteSUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST
Seattle’s best every month in your inbox
Book Your Trip
Advertisements