Must-See Museums

Chihuly Garden and Glass

As you walk through this almost surreal indoor-outdoor landscape of saturated color and intriguing forms, it’s easy to feel transported into other worlds: the amorphous shapes and dramatic hues of the Persian Ceiling, the 100-foot-long suspended sculpture that hovers and twists above the Victorian conservatory-inspired Glasshouse, the captivating forms that seem to grow like the surrounding botanicals in the Garden. The artist’s myriad inspirations—Native American basketry, the Northwest’s dramatic oceans and bays, his mother’s gardens—are evident at every turn.

Don’t miss: Winter Brilliance, a stunning collection of hundreds of hand-blown icicles arranged in dramatic sculptures, was created originally as a window display for Barneys New York but recently became a permanent installation at Chihuly Gardens and Glass. During the holiday season (through February 2023), choreographed lights and original music transform this riveting exhibit into an interactive experience. chihulygardenandglass.com

MoPOP

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Designed with a dramatic curving metal exterior by celebrated contemporary architect Frank Gehry, MoPOP provides an immersive music and pop culture experience. The compelling rotating and permanent exhibits shine a light on the provocative worlds of cinematic science fiction and horror, and the rich history of Seattle’s music scene, from Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana.

Don’t miss: The breathtaking exhibit Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design. See the boldly patterned, imaginatively designed creations of the Academy Award–winning costume designer, including pieces from Black Panther, Do the Right Thing, and Roots. mopop.org

Seattle Children’s Museum

Geared toward pre-teens, this whimsical wonderland in the historic Armory (below the building’s food hall) sparks the imagination and creative spirit through touch-friendly exhibits and play spaces. Listen to traditional stories and explore indigenous art in the Tribal Tales center, play inside the smiling mouth of a giant whale in Orca Cove, and participate in—on stage or behind the scenes—in a performance in the Bijou Theatre.

Don’t miss: In the new Neighborhood Paws space, stuffed toys stand in for live animals to help kids learn how a veterinary office works, right down to x-ray machines and a washing and drying station. seattlechildrensmuseum.org

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center

The thoughtful exhibits at this public-forward visitor center adjoining the sleek Gates Foundation campus shine a light on pressing public health challenges and the innovative solutions developed by the foundation to reduce global economic, health, and educational inequality. Look for engaging questions posted throughout exhibits, such as “If you had a foundation, what would you do?” and “What skills can you use to change the world?”

Don’t miss At the end of your tour, you’ll see prompts about how to use your creativity to teach others and use your voice for positive empowerment. discovergates.org

Pacific Science Center

Pacific Science Center

“Curiosity happens here” is the mantra of this fascinating nonprofit museum with more than 200 interactive exhibits that invite kids and adults to learn, engage, and discover. Crowd pleasers include the Tropical Butterfly House and Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time (standing in the footprint of a duck-billed dinosaur is a memorable way to understand exactly how enormous these creatures were). Other favorite features include IMAX cinemas, laser dome rock shows, and planetarium experiences.

Don’t miss: The new Water’s Extreme Journey maze, which allows you to trace the life of a single drop of rainwater by riding a 20-foot watershed zipline, and to see up close the science behind water conservation and environmental health. pacificsciencecenter.org

Center Stage

Pacific Northwest Ballet

If you’ve come to Seattle to partake of the city’s phenomenal performing arts scene, there’s a strong chance you’ll be attending a show at one of Seattle Center’s many acclaimed theaters and concert halls. One of the most venerable buildings on the entire campus, McCaw Hall, dates to 1927 but was masterfully renovated and expanded in 2003. It’s now the home of the world-famous Seattle Opera and the exceptional Pacific Northwest Ballet, which performs more than 100 times annually.

Seattle Children’s Theatre

In a striking mid-century-modern building, the Cornish Playhouse hosts dance, music, and visual arts performances in partnership with a range of community organizations, and Seattle Rep—the Pacific Northwest’s largest nonprofit theater—stages mostly contemporary, but also some classic dramatic works. With the novel (pardon the pun) mission of “creating theater exclusively from literature, Book-It Repertory Theatre has presented more than 150 original adaptations of works by both legendary (Jane Austen, Herman Melville) and contemporary (Jamyang Norbu, Octavia Butler) authors during its 36-year history.

KEXP

Seattle Children’s Theatre has earned a devoted following for its high-caliber performances—nearly half of which have been world premieres—that appeal to kids in every age group. The nonprofit Vera Project hosts all-ages concerts and art exhibits, and offers classes in its screen print studio and the opportunity to produce and mix music in their recording studio. Another Seattle Center highlight is KEXP, the much-adored local radio station that hosts weekly shows devoted to a diverse range of music genres, from electronica to Latin music to blues. You can check out live radio and video broadcasts at the KEXP studios. Then savor a smooth cup of java inside Vita at KEXP coffeehouse and peruse the huge selection of music at Light in the Attic Records.

Eco-Awesome

Climate Pledge Arena

Climate Pledge Arena

Known as KeyArena before its $1.15 billion redevelopment in 2021, Climate Pledge Arena is the stunning home of the city’s new NHL hockey team, the Seattle Kraken, and WNBA basketball’s celebrated four-time champions, the Seattle Storm. Countless new features have been added that make it more exciting than ever to watch a game or attend one of the dozens of world-class musical performances, comedy shows, and other events—from WWE wrestling to Seattle University men’s basketball games. As you enter the building through the airy Alaska Airlines Atrium, a massive LED screen projects images of waterfalls, forests, and other immersive Pacific Northwest scenes. The  arena’s four food-and-beverage stores are equipped with Amazon’s cashierless “Just Walk Out” technology. There’s also an array of exciting food vendors, including Din Tai Fung (Chinese cuisine), Ballard Pizza, and Impossible Market (plant-based burgers and chicken nuggets). Incomparable high-tech acoustics and clear views from every seat in the arena complete the experience.

The arena is also the world’s first net zero–certified arena. Its eco-friendly innovations include:

• 12,500 plants and trees, 8,500 of which are part of the 1,700-square-foot Climate Pledge Living Wall.
• A 15,000-gallon underground cistern filters rainwater, which Zambonis access to resurface the hockey rink.
• Solar panels and off-site supplementary renewable energy means the arena uses no fossil fuel in its daily operations.
• The arena composts its waste and will completely ban single-use plastics by 2024.

Food for Thought

Check out these eclectic dining options all within a short walk of Seattle Center.

The Armory Food & Event Hall (305 Harrison St) lies right in the heart of Seattle Center and offers an array of mostly local faves, like Blue Water Taco, Matt’s Fish Basket, and Skillet Diner (with its signature fried chicken and cornmeal waffles).

Woman-owned Cashew Thai Cuisine (517 Queen Anne Ave N) specializes in expertly prepared, tried-and-true classics like tempura tiger prawns with a sweet chili dipping sauce, and hearty massaman-curry short ribs.

Côba (530 First Ave) offers a modern take on Southeast Asian pho, banh mi, vermicelli rice noodle bowls, and papaya prawn salads. Dine on the lovely patio if it’s a warm day.

Feast on everything from hearty breakfast fare to hulking burgers at The 5 Point Café (415 Cedar St), a welcoming 24-hour diner and one of the longest-running family-owned businesses in Seattle.

Wood-fired pizzas with carefully curated toppings (hot honey, Mama Lil’s peppers, cremini mushrooms) are the name of the game at The Masonry (20 Roy St), which also boasts a first-rate craft beer selection.

Solo Bar & Eatery (200 Roy St) stands out for its delish mod-American small plates, which are great for sharing, and ingredients sourced as much as possible from local farmers and foragers.

An outpost of the famed shellfish company that’s been a Pacific Northwest mainstay since the 1890s, Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar (124 Republican St) serves sustainably sourced crab, clams, mussels, and—naturally—fresh-shucked oysters.

Tilikum Place Café (407 Cedar St) is your classic, friendly neighborhood bistro, with delicious European-inspired fare utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

Have a seat at Toulouse Petit (601 Queen Anne Ave N) and savor the flavors of New Orleans, from Acadiana Benedicts (topped with crab, prawns, and Andouille sausage) to Northwest seafood with Cajun and Creole preparations. There’s a fantastic cocktail list too.

Family-owned Tyger Tyger (114 Republican St) serves some of the tastiest Sichuan-inspired dumplings, buns, and noodles in town.

Mark Your Calendar

Many of the city’s most exciting events take place at Seattle Center.

Winterfest

Usher in the holidays by seeing twinkling light displays, family-friendly concerts, ice-sculpting demonstrations, an old-timey model railroad and vintage village display, crafts shows, and holiday movies. Late November–late December; seattlecenter.com/winterfest

Festál

Held over 10 months, Festál presents 24 different cultural gatherings—among them Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration, Indigenous People Festival, Spirit of Africa, and Día de Muertos—that embrace the city’s diverse identities through food, music, storytelling, dance, and more. February–November;
seattlecenter.com/festal

SIFF

The nation’s largest cinema showcase, the Seattle International Film Festival presents more than 90 features and shorts from more than 50 countries. Mid-May; siff.net

Northwest Folklife Festival

Since 1972, this community-powered showcase has highlighted the identity and traditions of the Pacific Northwest through performances by more than 6,000 regional artists on 25 stages. Panels and workshops, not to mention 200 food and craft vendors, are part of the fun. HLate May; nwfolklife.org

Seattle Pride Parade

Seattle Pride and Seattle PrideFest

Featuring one of the largest Pride parades in the country, Seattle’s premier LGBTQ+ gathering celebrates the history, resilience, and vibrant spirit of this inclusive community. Late June; seattlepride.org & seattlepridefest.org