The Best Museums in Seattle

Seattle is one of the cultural hubs in the Pacific Northwest, home to dozens of museums devoted to a wide range of media and subjects. Here, we share our favorite Seattle museums.

Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum comprises three major facilities: its main location downtown, the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the Seattle central waterfront. See paintings and pieces from around the world and eons at the downtown building, whimsical sculptures from the likes of Alexander Calder and Richard Serra at the sculpture park, and gorgeous works from Asia in the stunning Art-Deco Volunteer Park building. Seattle Art Museum: 1300 1st Ave.; 206-654-3100

Chihuly Gardens and Glass

Famed glass sculptor Dale Chihuly created a stunning series of exhibits across nearly two acres in Seattle Center. His extraordinary glass house, and the colorful, suspended sculpture that it harbors make this spot a must-see. Chihuly Garden and Glass: 305 Harrison St.; 206-753-4940

Seattle Museum of Pop Culture

Microsoft magnate Paul Allen founded the Seattle Museum of Pop Culture in 2000. Today, it’s home to many exhibits, interactive activity stations, and other educational resources. A large amount of its space is dedicated to the genre of science fiction, paying homage to greats like Steven Spielberg, Ray Bradbury and George Lucas. Seattle Museum of Pop Culture: 325 5th Ave.; 206-770-2700

Seattle Pinball Museum

The Seattle Pinball Museum opened its doors in 2010, creating a community for collectors, and a home for over 50 vintage and new games. The $15 dollar entry fee gets you unlimited access to old school favorites like Ms. Pac-Man, Ghostbusters and Terminator 2. This is the perfect place to lose track of time on a rainy, Seattle afternoon. Seattle Pinball Museum: 508 Maynard Ave. S.; 206-623-0759

The Center For Wooden Boats

Head to The Center For Wooden Boats around 9am to sign up for a free tour of Lake Union or Lake Washington. You may need to wait a couple hours before getting out onto the water, so stop by the center’s main exhibit. There, you can learn to tie a knot, read about the history of the region’s maritime industry, and check out an impressive array of old, handcrafted sailboats. The Center for Wooden Boats: 1010 Valley St.; 206-382-2628

Museum of History and Industry

At the southern edge of Lake Union, MOHAI is the largest private heritage organization in the state, home to nearly 4 million artifacts: among them, historical objects, photos and prints that all highlight the region’s fascinating and surprising history. You’ll see Boeing’s first commercial plane, 19th century American flags, original Kindles and more. Hotel Theodore partnered with MOHAI to curate our own collection of artifacts. Learn more about our Co-Conspirator here. Museum of History and Industry: 860 Terry Ave.; 206-324-1126