Whether you live in Seattle or simply passing through, there is no excuse to skip museums and deprive yourself of the local art scene. Many museums offer free admission or a discount every first Thursday of the month. From art to history, science to pop culture, Seattle offers a great variety of museums.
Outdoor sculptures at the Olympic Sculpture Park (one of the 3 locations of the Seattle Art Museum , airplanes and a control tower at the Museum of Flight.
The butterfly garden and VR at the Pacific Science Center , the Amerindian Artifact Collection at the Burke Museum and its window lab space to watch the researchers at work (the Burke will open a new building in Fall 2019) , computers over the years at Living Computers with playful robots that will entertain kids and grown-ups alike. And the list goes on!
POP culture
Looking for something more extravagant? Check out the MoPOP for a unique multimedia experience. Located next to the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture opens the door to the universe of superheroes, sci-fi, horror film, but also local Nineties musicians such as Nirvana. For an immersion in virtual and augmented reality, explore the holodome!
Art Walks
And if museums aren’t your thing, but you need to find an activity for your Thursday night (well the first of each month), take a walk around Pioneer Square and enjoy local Art in the open galleries. This concept of Art Walks started in Seattle, Pioneer Square precisely, in 1981 and is now common in most cities. A square that really bears its name!
A museum on water
Last but not least, my favorite: the Center for Wooden Boats.
This museum, unlike any other, is dedicated to preserving the Pacific North West’s maritime history, including a collection of old wooden boats. Every Sunday, rain or shine, enjoy a free one-hour tour in one of these boats on Lake Union!
A tip: get there early, like 9 am. The doors open at 10:00 for sign up, but if you’re first in line, you are sure to get on the boat of your choice. You will put your name on the list and come back at the time this specific boat is scheduled to sail.
