Visiting Seattle? Don’t miss these amazing museums.
We just got back from a whirlwind of museums this past weekend. The Seattle area has over 40 museums with a wide range of interest and topics. We’ve had a chance to check out 10 of thembut since we’re only a 3-hour drive awaywe know we’ll be back to see more soon!
Thank you Visit Seattle and iExplore.com for sponsoring this post. This post may contain affiliate linkswhere we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.
Last Updated: February 92026
11 Amazing Museums in Seattle Washington
1. MoPop (Formerly EMP) →
325 5th Avenue N SeattleWA 98109, map
We nerded out at the Seattle Museum of Pop Culture. It’s a really fun Seattle modern art museum. They have different exhibits with themes like Star TrekNirvanaJimmy HendrixFantasy WorldsIndie Game RevolutionScience Fiction and more. Each exhibit has memorabilia from some of the most unforgettable pop culture moments and movies.
They also have interactive exhibits like Sound Off!where you can learn about the different aspects of music and practice playing the guitardrumsand singing in the sound booth.
Local Tip: Don’t forget to explore the exterior of the buildingwhich was designed by Frank Gehry. He often looked to music for inspiration. Around the backthere are great photo ops too.
See More: Ultimate Seattle Bucket List
2. The Center for Wooden Boats
1010 Valley StSeattleWA 98109, map
This museum has all things wooden boats. Check out all the different types of boats they have in their collection or even enroll in heritage skills workshops to learn more about the craftsmanship. The highlightthoughhappens once a month when they take people out for free rides on different boats. Check their site for updated info.
Local Tip: To take advantage of the free ride daysget there early. During the winterthe slots don’t fill up immediatelybut during the summer when the weather is nicethere can be lines wrapped around the building as early as 9 AM.
See More: Weekend Trip to Seattle – How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass →
325 5th Avenue N SeattleWA 98109, map
Dale Chihuly is one of the most recognizable names in glass art. If you’ve ever been to the Bellagio in Vegasthen you’re familiar with his work in the lobby ceiling.
Chihuly is originally from TacomaWashington and often has limited time exhibitsbut Chihuly Garden and Glass opened at the Seattle Center in 2012 and has no plans on leaving. Each piece is beautifully displayed and they even have demonstrations about the process out of an old converted Airstream. It’s easily one of the best art museums in seattle.
Alsoif you’re looking for unique Seattle Art Museum Eventscheck out the private workshop events.
Local Tip: This place gets busy! Try to arrive as early as possible especially if you’re hoping to get good photos without people in them. The best photo spots come towards the end at the glass houseso we suggest you head there first.
4. Museum of Illusions Seattle
1330 5th AveSeattleWA 98101, map
We’ve been to the Museum of Illusions in Las Vegas and NYCso we were excited to hear about a new Seattle location.
Located in the heart of the citythis museum offers a dynamic array of mind-bending exhibits that challenge perception and ignite curiosity. From rooms that defy gravity to installations that play with light and perspectiveevery corner invites exploration and interaction.
It’s a great spot for the whole familywhether you’re seeking a unique photo opportunity or a deeper understanding of optical illusions. Get tickets here.
5. Museum of History and Industry (MoHAI)
860 Terry Ave NSeattleWA 98109, map
The Museum of History and Industry or MOHAI is located right next door to the Center for Wooden Boats. It focuses on regional innovation and imagination. Some of their permanent exhibits include maritime traditionslocal innovationsand the Seattle journey. They also have temporary exhibits that rotate.
Local Tip: Admission is free every first Thursday of the month.
6. Seattle Pinball Museum
508 Maynard Ave SSeattleWA 98104, map
It’s always cool to see museums born from someone’s passion. Seattle Pinball Museum was created to share the games with other local collectors. Nowpinball machines fill their space in Chinatown from end to endsome dating back to 1934. There are over 50 games that change regularlyand after paying your entrance feeyou can play to your heart’s content.
Local Tip: There is an age limit here. Kids need to be 7 or older to play gamesso keep that in mind if you have little ones. It would be kind of torturous to bring them if they aren’t allowed to play too!
7. Pacific Science Center →
200 2nd Ave NSeattleWA 98109, map
This is a great museum in Seattle if you have kids! There are currently three main sections and multiple IMAX theaters. There are a ton of hands-on activities to check out and they hold special events for kidsteensand adults.
You can buy tickets the way you want them. If you just want to see the exhibitsthere is pricing specific for that. Otherwisethey also have deals for the exhibits + an IMAX movieor just tickets to the IMAX.
Local Tip: During our visitthere were a number of schools taking field trips thereso if you do want to avoid the chaos of hundreds of kids running aroundjust call in to check if they have any field trips scheduled.
See More: Ultimate PNW Bucket List – Things to Do in the Pacific Northwest
8. Seattle Art Museum →
1300 1st AveSeattleWA 98101, map
Better known as SAMthe Seattle Art Museum encompasses SAMAsian Art Museumand Olympic Sculpture Park. There is a set of SAM Museum Collections and Installationsand regularly changing guest exhibitions. They also have events held throughout the year that you can join.
9. Asian Art Museum
1400 E Prospect StSeattleWA 98112, map
The Asian Art Museum is part of the Seattle Art Museum and has a beautiful space in Volunteer Parkwhich was actually SAM’s original location. As made obvious by the nameits galleries highlight Asian art and history.
Local Tip: Admission is free every first Thursday and Saturday and second Thursday every month from 5-9 pm. Every first Friday is free to those ages 62 and over.
10. Lemay-America’s Car Museum (Tacoma)
2702 E D StTacomaWA 98421, map
If you love carsyou have to check out America’s Car Museum. It opened in the summer of 2012 and is America’s largest car museum. You can explore four floors of wall to wall cars or visit during one of their huge car events that fill the outside field with even more spectacular cars. They also change out the exhibits so that if you visit multiple timesyou’ll see something new.
Local Tip: If you want to hear more in-depth stories of the carsthey have free public tours every day at 11 AM. Just ask for more details at guest services.
11. Museum of Glass (Tacoma)
1801 Dock StTacomaWA 98402, map
Dale Chihuly is originally from TacomaWAso it’s only fitting that there is also a Museum of Glass. You can visit the large glass studio and watch artists create these amazing piecesor walk around and awe at their work. You can see plenty of Chihuly’s work as well as other amazing glass artists. If you want a more hands on experiencecheck out their workshops.
Local Tip: Admission is free for all every third Thursday of the month from 5-8pm and Sundays for college students with ID.
Bonus: Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Aquarium
5500 Phinney Ave NSeattleWA 98103, map || 1483 Alaskan WaySeattleWA 98101, map
We were surprised to see both of these on the Seattle museums listbut you can consider them living museums. Both are relatively smaller than other city zoos or aquariumsbut still a great place to bring the family. The aquarium is especially great when the weather is a bit dicey outside.
Local Tip: If you’re interested in visiting the aquariumzooand multiple Seattle attractionsyou can save money by getting the Seattle CityPASS!
See More: 15 Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle WA
Closed: Living Computers: Museum + Labs
2245 1st Avenue SouthSeattleWA 98134, map
UPDATE: Unfortunately it looks like this spot is closed permanently.
This was our favorite find! The Living Computers: Museum + Labs has the world’s largest collection of fully restored and usable computers. They have technology from the 60s to the present.
You can spend all afternoon playing the original Oregon Trail or messing around on Windows 95. They also have new technology showcasing virtual realityartificial intelligenceand self-driving cars.
We could have easily spent all day here. All the new and flashy tech is downstairsbut make your way upstairs to check out all the old school tech! Don’t forget to stop by the cold room. It’s crazy to think that our phones are more powerful than all the systems in this room combined.
Map to Help You Get Around
Seattle Museum Month
February is Museum Month in Seattle! If you stay at any of their participating hotels (which is A LOT of them)you get half-price admission to more than 40 area museums! Check out more details like when the Seattle museums opentheir current hoursspecial exhibitsand more at Seattle Museum Month. Next time we’re in townwe want to check out more of the art museums in seattle and the SAM museum.
If you’re looking to explore museums on a budgetthe Seattle area has a ton of free museums year round. We’ve compiled a list of them for you here:
Free Museums in Seattle
- Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- Center for Wooden Boats
- Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
- Frye Art Museum
- Job Carr Cabin Museum
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
- Northwest Railway Museum
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Pacific Bonsai Museum
- Puget Sound Navy Museum
- Shoreline Historical Museum
- Valentinetti Puppet Museum
More Museums in Seattle
- Bellevue Arts Museum
- Burke Museum
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
- Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
- Henry Art Gallery
- Kids Discovery Museum (KIDIMU)
- Kitsap County Historical Society & Museum
- National Nordic Museum
- Northwest African American Museum
- Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) / Asian Art Museum Seattle
- Seattle Children’s Museum
- Suquamish Tribal Museum
- Tacoma Art Museum
- University of Washington Botanic Gardens
- U.S. Naval Undersea Museum
- USS Turner Joy
- W.W. Seymour Conservatory
- Wing Luke Museum: The Asian Pacific American Experience
Do you want to explore outside of the city? These are the best day trips from Seattleand these are the best weekend getaways from Seattle.
Don’t want to read? Watch the video
Best Places to Stay
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Seattle hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Seattle travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with CityPass.
What types of museums do you like to explore? Have you been to any of these?
Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later
SEE More CITY Bucket Lists
⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡
“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurerone of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J)YouTubeTikTokand Pinterest.